The end of Stephen Fleming's remarkable 18-year association with Chennai Super Kings has opened the door to one of the biggest questions ahead of IPL 2027,
as MS Dhoni is being tipped to take up a new role at CSK next season.
After Fleming's departure and Dhoni's fitness woes, will the former India captain take up a coaching role at the Super Kings next season?
Dhoni's name naturally sits at the centre of the conversation. The former CSK captain knows the franchise better than almost anyone, having led it to five IPL titles and built a leadership legacy that is inseparable from the team's identity.
There is also a growing indication that Dhoni's role in the franchise could evolve. He did not play a single game in IPL 2026, with his future as a player remaining uncertain. CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad admitted that even he did not know whether Dhoni would return as a player in 2027. That makes a transition into coaching or mentorship a logical possibility.
The strongest endorsement has already come from former India and CSK spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who said there would be "no better person" than Dhoni to succeed Fleming if the former captain is willing to take up the responsibility.
However, CSK may not necessarily choose Dhoni as head coach. Reports suggest the franchise is also considering overseas candidates, while former CSK batter Michael Hussey has emerged as another highly regarded option. K Srikkanth, meanwhile, has publicly backed Hussey as the "automatic choice" for the position.
Could MS Dhoni coach CSK in 2027?
At this stage, there is no confirmation that Dhoni will take the job, but the possibility has gained considerable momentum following Fleming's departure. Fleming stepped down after CSK's disappointing IPL 2026 campaign, ending one of the most successful coach-franchise partnerships in the tournament's history.
A mentor or strategic leadership role may initially suit Dhoni better than immediately taking complete charge of the coaching staff. Yet if he has decided that his playing days are over, becoming the man in the dugout could be the perfect next chapter. For CSK, it would also represent a fascinating continuation of the Dhoni era albeit away from the thick of the action.
