Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are entering a new phase after parting ways with Stephen Fleming following an 18-year association. With the franchise now looking for a new head coach ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027, several prominent names have emerged as possible candidates for the position. The coaching vacancy has sparked plenty of discussion, with former international captains and members of CSK’s existing setup among the names being considered. Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has now shared his thoughts on the matter, including the candidates he would prefer CSK to avoid.
Kris Srikkanth reveals his preferred candidate for CSK head coach role
Srikkanth believes CSK already have a strong option within their existing setup and do not necessarily need to look outside the franchise for Fleming’s successor. The former India captain has backed current CSK batting coach Michael Hussey for the position. Hussey has been associated with the franchise since 2018 as part of its coaching staff after previously enjoying a successful playing stint with the team.
According to Srikkanth, Hussey would be the ideal choice to take charge of the franchise. However, he believes CSK must first settle another important issue before making a decision on the coaching position. Srikkanth feels that MS Dhoni’s future with the franchise needs to be clarified before CSK finalise their next head coach.
“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. 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,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel, Cheeky Cheeka.
The former India opener therefore believes that CSK’s decision-making process should begin by establishing Dhoni’s role before the franchise moves ahead with its coaching plans.
Srikkanth says CSK should avoid Eoin Morgan and Brendon McCullum
Srikkanth was also asked about two high-profile names who have been linked with the CSK head coach position. However, he does not believe either Eoin Morgan or Brendon McCullum would be the right fit for the role. Morgan enjoyed a hugely successful career as England captain, leading the side to their first men’s ODI World Cup title in 2019. He also captained Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL. Despite Morgan’s achievements as a player and captain, Srikkanth does not believe he should be considered for the CSK coaching position.
“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 with commentary. Likewise, 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,” Srikkanth concluded.
The former India captain was equally firm when discussing McCullum, who has previously held major coaching responsibilities with England. Srikkanth’s preference is therefore clear. He believes CSK should promote from within rather than appoint either Morgan or McCullum, with Hussey emerging as his preferred choice. However, before the franchise makes that decision, Srikkanth believes the question surrounding Dhoni’s future needs to be addressed first.
