Former India batter Hemang Badani is reportedly leading the race to join Chennai Super Kings as their head coach. The leading IPL franchise parted ways with their long-standing head coach Stephen Fleming
a few months ago following a few disappointing seasons in the cash-rich league. The former New Zealand star guided the side to five victories after joining the team as their head coach ahead of the 2009 season. However, he was associated with them since the inaugural season of the league, earlier as a player.
Following his departure, suspense over CSK’s new head coach started building, and it is still not clear as to whom the Yellow Army have approached to take over the reins. However, as per the newest reports from Indian Express, the suspense is expected to be resolved in a week or two. Hemang Badani is more likely to become the next head coach of the team led by Ruturaj Gaikwad. Reports also suggest that former skipper MS Dhoni is pushing for an Indian-led supporting staff and Badani has emerged as a frontrunner.
🚨 HEMANG BADANI – FRONT RUNNER TO BECOME CSK COACH ⏳
– MS Dhoni is pushing for an Indian led support staff. [Express Sports]
Badani emerged as the front runner, suspense likely to be resolved within 1 or 2 weeks. pic.twitter.com/y8OXjwAHjx
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 10, 2026
MS Dhoni Pushes for an Indian-led Support Staff at CSK: Reports
According to Indian Express, after CSK parted ways with Fleming after they failed to make it to the playoffs for the third time, CEO and MD Kasi Viswanathan had handed the responsibility of finding a new coach to Dhoni. While there were early indications that Fleming’s successor would be someone from overseas, the latest development suggests that Dhoni has made a strong case for an Indian head coach. The leadership is still weighing options on the overseas front, and is expected to assess both pros and cons.
However, Dhoni is understood to have told the ownership that he would prefer an Indian to take the charge considering how much of the IPL is now being shaped by homegrown talent. Badoni emerges as a perfect replacement considering his IPL experience as well as overseas success. He has won titles in the SA20, ILT20, and LPL. He has also played for Tamil Nadu and is expected to be familiar with the struggles and conditions at Chepauk, one factor behind the team’s poor form at home.
Moreover, it is understood that Dhoni’s proposal to ownership includes a condition that the new coach should only work for CSK and no other league commitments overseas. As for Badani, it could pose a hurdle since he coaches Southern Brave in The Hundred and Dubai Capitals in the ILT20 as well as consults for Seattle Orcas too.
