Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are searching for a new head coach ahead of IPL 2027 after Stephen Fleming ended his historic 18-year association with the franchise. Fleming and CSK mutually parted ways in July 2026, bringing an end to one of the longest and most successful coaching tenures in T20 cricket. The former New Zealand captain later took up a new challenge after accepting the role of head coach of the England men’s Test team. With CSK now looking for a successor, former India cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has put forward four names he believes could be considered for the high-profile position.
Aakash Chopra picks 4 contenders as CSK’s next head coach
Chopra believes CSK could look towards candidates who understand Indian cricket and, more importantly, have a strong connection with the franchise. His four suggestions are Ravichandran Ashwin, Suresh Raina, Hemang Badani and Sanjay Bangar.
The first name on Chopra’s list is Ashwin. The veteran off-spinner has a strong connection with Chennai, possesses an exceptional tactical understanding of the game and has already been involved in coaching through his academy and TNPL commitments. Chopra also pointed towards Ashwin’s relationship with MS Dhoni and his admiration for current CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. He added that Ashwin could be viewed as a long-term investment if CSK are willing to explore a relatively unconventional coaching appointment.
“If coaching credentials are not seen, he has a Chennai connection, he has a tactical brain, and is an astute thinker of the game, then you don’t need to go too far from Ravichandran Ashwin. He likes to manage a team as well. He is the manager of a TNPL team at the moment. Why not him? Have a conversation. He can be a long-term investment. When you look at the Indians, they might want to go towards a slightly high-profile one. He has played a lot with Dhoni. He rates Ruturaj highly. He likes him a lot, and I think the feeling will be mutual. So why not Ravichandran Ashwin?,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
The second candidate is Raina, another figure deeply associated with CSK. Raina spent the majority of his IPL career with the franchise and became one of the most recognisable members of the ‘Yellow Army’. Chopra also suggested that Raina could potentially take up a batting coach or mentor’s position if CSK are not ready to hand him the head coach role immediately.
“What about Suresh Raina? He has such a massive Chennai connection that when Dhoni left cricket, he also left along with him. He bleeds yellow. He loves this franchise a lot. He is 100 percent committed in that direction. There was talk about whether Chinna Thala could become the batting coach or could get a mentor’s role. Why not Suresh Raina? If you are thinking that neither Ashwin nor Raina has coaching experience as such, Ashish Nehra and Zaheer Khan didn’t have it either, but they also did a good job,” Chopra remarked.
Chopra’s third suggestion is Badani, who has a connection with Chennai and experience in the IPL coaching setup. Badani has worked with Delhi and, according to Chopra, could potentially become available depending on changes to the franchise’s coaching structure.
“What about Hemang Badani? He comes from Chennai. He has been Delhi’s coach. I feel Hemang Badani would bid goodbye from there, unless it’s already happened. Why not Chennai? He is a homegrown guy,” Chopra asserted.
The fourth name mentioned by Chopra is Bangar, who brings extensive coaching experience across domestic and international cricket. Chopra pointed out that Bangar has worked with the Indian team as a batting coach and has also been involved with IPL franchises including Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
“What about Baba Bangar? It’s not just about the Chennai connection also. He has been India’s coach. MS Dhoni was there when he was India’s batting coach. He has been the Punjab Kings’ coach and has worked with RCB. He has got a portfolio. He has managed many IPL teams and the Indian team,” Chopra added further.
Fans expect a turnaround in IPL 2027
CSK’s search for Fleming’s replacement comes at a crucial juncture. The Yellow Army will be hoping for a major overhaul ahead of IPL 2027 after a disappointing campaign in the previous season. The five-time champions finished eighth in the IPL 2026 points table and missed the playoffs for a third consecutive season. Such a prolonged dip in results has increased the pressure on the franchise to rethink its strategy.
With Fleming’s long-standing era now over, CSK have an opportunity to build a fresh coaching structure while retaining the core values that made them one of the IPL’s most successful teams.
