Samira Vishwas
Tezzbuzz|16-07-2026
Delhi: After the 18-year-old collaboration between Chennai Super Kings and Stephen Fleming ended, discussions have intensified regarding the next head coach of the team. Meanwhile, former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has given a big statement saying that if MS Dhoni is ready to take up this responsibility, then there can be no better option than him.
There is no better option than Dhoni
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Ashwin said that the partnership between Fleming and Dhoni was the biggest strength of CSK.
Both understood each other well and because of this the team got continuous success.Ashwin said,
‘Fleming knew very well how Dhoni thinks and Dhoni also completely trusted Fleming. This partnership was successful for so long. But now perhaps the time had come for Chennai Super Kings to move towards a new era.
He further said that if Dhoni himself is ready to become the head coach, then there can be no better option than him for this post.
The new coach will face a big challenge
Ashwin believes that it will not be easy for a new coach to start in a successful franchise like CSK. He said that whichever new coach comes into the dressing room, there will definitely be some uncertainty in front of him.
According to the former CSK spinner, the biggest challenge will be to create a distinct identity because Dhoni has had an influence on the team for a long time. In such an environment, it will not be easy for any new coach to establish himself.
Fleming’s coaching highly praised
Ashwin also shared his experiences of working with Fleming.
He said that Fleming used to talk to the players in a clear and simple manner, due to which the atmosphere in the dressing room was always positive.He also told that Fleming did not put unnecessary pressure on the players and his training sessions were also very organized. However, Ashwin believes that after holding any position for a long time, change is natural.
CSK will have to decide its strategy first
According to Ashwin, before the appointment of the new head coach, the CSK management will have to decide what kind of coach it wants.
If the franchise wants Mahendra Singh Dhoni to continue playing a big role in most of the team’s cricketing decisions, then the role of the coach will be different. But if the team wants to start a completely new era, then it will have to choose a head coach who can take decisions independently and also take responsibility for them.
