# Chennai Super Kings head coach search > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/chennai-super-kings-head-coach-search > Updated: 2026-09-09T07:06:29.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 4. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are searching for a new head coach following the departure of Stephen Fleming, who ended an 18-year tenure after the team failed to qualify for the playoffs for three consecutive seasons. Initial reports identified former England captain Eoin Morgan as a strong contender due to his tactical expertise. Cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin also suggested MS Dhoni could serve as a caretaker coach for one year during the transition. However, former Indian batter Kris Srikkanth opposed the appointment of both Morgan and Brendon McCullum, arguing that Morgan lacks formal coaching credentials and should ‘stick to commentary’. As the search continues, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad stated that management is not in a rush to appoint a successor. Recent discussions have involved other former players: Ashwin expressed uncertainty regarding the transition into coaching during an auction year, while Matthew Hayden clarified he has not been approached for the role. Additionally, former player Subramaniam Badrinath suggested that Dinesh Karthik should remain with Royal Challengers Bengaluru rather than pursuing the CSK position. Hemang Badani has now emerged as the frontrunner for the head coach role. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has reportedly entrusted MS Dhoni with selecting the successor. Dhoni is understood to be advocating for an Indian head coach and a domestic-led support staff. While Badani is a leading candidate due to his experience with Delhi Capitals and various T20 leagues, his candidacy faces a potential hurdle: Dhoni reportedly prefers a coach who commits exclusively to the CSK franchise, whereas Badani currently holds multiple coaching and consultancy roles in overseas leagues. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-09: Chennai Super Kings eye Hemang Badani for head coach role Hemang Badani has emerged as the leading candidate for the Chennai Super Kings head coach role, with MS Dhoni reportedly pushing for an Indian coach to replace Stephen Fleming. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/akash-madhwal-discusses-ms-dhonis-fitness-and-suryakumar-yadav ### 2026-09-01: Chennai Super Kings seek new head coach after Stephen Fleming departure Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad says the franchise is in no rush to replace long-time head coach Stephen Fleming as they evaluate potential successors for the upcoming IPL season. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chennai-super-kings-seek-new-head-coach-after-stephen-fleming-departure ### 2026-08-16: Kris Srikkanth rejects Eoin Morgan and Brendon McCullum for CSK coach role Former cricketer Kris Srikkanth has urged Chennai Super Kings to reject Eoin Morgan and Brendon McCullum for the head coach position, suggesting Morgan stick to commentary instead. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kris-srikkanth-rejects-eoin-morgan-and-brendon-mccullum-for-csk-coach-role ### 2026-08-12: Eoin Morgan linked to Chennai Super Kings head coach role Eoin Morgan is reportedly a strong candidate to replace Stephen Fleming as head coach of the Chennai Super Kings, according to insights from Ravichandran Ashwin. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eoin-morgan-linked-to-chennai-super-kings-head-coach-role --- Cite as: Chennai Super Kings head coach search. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/chennai-super-kings-head-coach-search