Top contenders to replace Stephen Fleming: In a series of shocking events, former New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming has decided to part ways with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as head coach of the side. The former Kiwi batter had a long tenure of seventeen years with the Chennai-based side in the Indian Premier League. The former left-handed batter appeared as a player for CSK in the inaugural edition of the tournament. The five-time IPL champions shared an official statement on July 13, confirming Fleming and CSK have mutually parted ways after an eighth place finish in the 2026 edition.
Who could replace Stephen Fleming as CSK head coach?
Let's take a look at the list of top contenders who can replace Fleming as the head coach of the Chennai-based franchise.
Top Candidates for Chennai Super Kings Head Coach
Rahul Dravid
After enduring a disastrous campaign in the 2026 edition, Rahul Dravid's name has surfaced in connection with Chennai Super Kings on various occasions over the last year, but earlier speculation stopped short of suggesting a coaching job. With the Chennai-based side entering a new chapter, the former India head coach has once again emerged as one of the front runners, backed by his title winning experience with the Indian team.
ALSO READ: Sree Charani earns ICC Women’s Player of the Month award nomination after T20 World Cup heroics
ALSO READ: Shubman Gill, Bangladesh and New Zealand all-rounders nominated for ICC Men's Player of the Month
Hemang Badani
As per the recent media reports, former India batter Hemang Badani has emerged as one of the frontrunners to take over the coaching duties. Badani has been part of the Delhi Capitals (DC) setup for the past two seasons, although the side failed to claim a playoff berth during his tenure. With DC set to undergo changes in their management ahead of the next season, Badani's future with the side remains uncertain.
Ravichandran Ashwin
The former CSK spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin has been one of the hot candidates to take over the coaching role of the Chennai-based side. Ashwin has always been branded as the "thinking cricketer" as he always kept experimenting with his game, hence him becoming the CSK head coach could be a great addition, as he can add a lot of value with his recent experience in the T20 cricket. Notably, the former India all-rounder represented the Yellow Army in 2025 edition before taking retirement from IPL.
Shane Watson
The former Australia all-rounder represented CSK from 2018 to 2020 edition. Shane Watson played a key role in CSK's 2018 triumph after coming back from a two-year ban from the tournament. Watson has expressed his love towards the Yellow Army, as the former leader of the side, MS Dhoni backed him despite having an underwhelming season in the 2019 edition. With Watson's arrival CSK can have the Aussie mindset of never giving up which is lost from the Chennai-based franchise in recent years.
MS Dhoni
The former leader of the side, MS Dhoni is still an active player in the IPL. However, the star wicketkeeper-batter did not play a single game for CSK in the 2026 season, as he was dealing with an injury and it seems highly unlikely that he would appear as a player in 2027 season. It would be best in the favor of CSK, to sign MS Dhoni as the head coach of the side, as the world knows about his tactical brilliance.