Srikkanth puts Hussey at the front of CSK’s coaching queue

Chennai Super Kings are preparing for their biggest coaching change in nearly two decades after Stephen Fleming ended his 18-year association with the franchise. Former India opener K Srikkanth believes CSK should look within its existing setup and appoint former opener Michael Hussey as the team’s next head coach.

Fleming joined CSK as a player in the inaugural IPL season in 2008 and became head coach a year later. During his tenure, he helped establish the franchise’s identity and guided it to five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 trophies. His departure follows three successive seasons without a playoff appearance and comes after his appointment as England’s Test head coach.

Morgan and McCullum ruled out

Speculation about Fleming’s replacement recently included former England white-ball captain Eoin Morgan, a possibility raised by former CSK player Ravichandran Ashwin. Srikkanth, however, dismissed Morgan as a coaching candidate.

“I won't go for Eoin Morgan for sure. He was a good player and a good captain for England. But as a coach, I won't accept him as an option. Even for KKR as their captain, he didn't do anything great. It'll be best if he just sticks to commentary,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

He also advised CSK not to appoint Brendon McCullum, who previously coached Kolkata Knight Riders and led them to the IPL final in 2021.

“It'll be good for CSK if they don't appoint Brendon McCullum as the head coach. They should say no to both Morgan and McCullum,” he added.

‘Mr Cricket’ seen as the natural successor

Instead of bringing in an outsider, Srikkanth wants CSK to promote Hussey, who has already served the franchise as a batting coach and understands its culture.

“CSK don't need anyone from outside when they have Mr Cricket with him. Michael Hussey should be the automatic head coach. He will be the best choice,” Srikkanth said.

Dhoni’s future remains central to the transition

The coaching decision is tied to a broader restructuring at CSK. Fleming and MS Dhoni formed the tactical and cultural core of the franchise for years, while the team is now attempting to build around captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and a younger squad.

Srikkanth believes CSK must settle Dhoni’s role before finalising its next coaching structure.

“But what will MS Dhoni's place in CSK be going forward? That arrangement has to be fixed first, and only then will everything else fall in place,” he said.

That question could ultimately shape the franchise’s post-Fleming era as much as the identity of its new head coach.