Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have reportedly explored the opportunity to replace long-serving head coach Stephen Fleming. However, franchise legend MS Dhoni has emerged as a potential hurdle.
According to The Indian Express, CSK were approached by ‘a big name’ Indian coach with ‘close ties’ to the franchise last year, but the franchise asked him to wait. Another potential Fleming replacement, meanwhile, was said to be ‘convinced’ that he would not apply for the position until Dhoni was around.
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The report said coaches are likely to feel hesitant and worried about how much control they’d have over the day-to-day of the team with Dhoni’s shadow looming large.
What happens with Fleming depends on Dhoni
Fleming is under immense pressure as
CSK look to ring in the changes after another campaign without a playoff spot. Since winning the title in 2023, CSK have yet to qualify for the top four.
Fleming is respected, but has been around for so long that he could be the first if the franchise believes freshening things up is the way to go. However, the report indicated that any decision on the head coach will have to succeed one on Dhoni.
The former skipper seems to have distanced himself from the planning and strategy of the team. However, he has looked adamant on his will to retire on his own terms, which were clearly not fulfilled in IPL 2026 as he missed the first half of the season due to a calf injury and then the last few games due to a delayed recovery and a second injury, this time in his thumb.
How much Dhoni still matters to CSK can be gauged by the fact that, though he didn’t travel to any of the matches except the last one, because he wanted to keep the team less distracted, Ruturaj Gaikwad was asked about his fitness almost every time. Dhoni has always had CSK’s best interests at heart, but
