Srikkanth: CSK Must Decide Dhoni’s Role Before Choosing Fleming’s Successor
Kris Srikkanth backs Michael Hussey as CSK head coach but says MS Dhoni’s future role must be settled first, as the franchise looks to rebuild for 2027.
By SportCricket Desk · 17 Aug 2026 · 3 min read
Chennai Super Kings are looking for a new overseas head coach after Stephen Fleming moved to become England’s Test head coach. Fleming guided CSK to five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 trophies. Former India selector Kris Srikkanth believes the franchise should deal with another question first: what MS Dhoni’s role will be.
Hussey over Morgan and McCullum
Srikkanth does not see Eoin Morgan or Brendon McCullum as the right fit. He acknowledged Morgan’s achievements as a player and captain but doubted his coaching credentials, and said McCullum should not be considered either.
His preferred candidate is Michael Hussey, who has been CSK’s batting coach since 2018 and played six seasons for the franchise. Srikkanth feels that familiarity with the squad and its culture makes Hussey the natural choice, saying CSK have no need to look outside.
The Dhoni question
Even so, Srikkanth stressed that Dhoni’s position needs to be fixed before anything else is decided. In his view, the rest of the set-up follows from that arrangement. Dhoni’s future has been a major talking point, so the coaching structure could well depend on it.
A team in need of a reset
CSK have missed the playoffs in each of the three seasons since their fifth title in 2023. They finished bottom of the IPL 2025 table and eighth in 2026.
With 2027 approaching, decisions on staff and structure are expected. Albie Morkel and Hussey are among the names being discussed for the head coach vacancy.
