MS Dhoni tipped to become next CSK head coach: ‘When MSD is there, why are you searching for anyone at all?’
MS Dhoni didn't play a single game in IPL 2026 and was initially ruled out due to a calf strain. Then he suffered a thumb injury ahead of their final game.
R Ashwin hinted that MS Dhoni could take over as Chennai Super Kings head coach in the future. CSK had a poor IPL 2026 campaign, failing to reach the playoffs. Led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, they lost their final three league games, finishing at six wins and eight defeats in 14 matches. Now the pressure is on CSK head coach Stephen Fleming. According to reports, the team management is expected to address the team's loss in form.
R Ashwin told a fan that CSK don't need to look anywhere else for a head coach as they already have MS Dhoni. (PTI)
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Fleming recently spoke about his future, stating that head coaches are judged by results and that the decision will be management's.
Taking to X, one fan joked that if CSK do replace Fleming as CSK head coach, then it shouldn't be Ashwin. The fan hilariously remarked that the former India player would announce his playing XI on his YouTube channel before the match.
Ashwin responded to the fan in his own original way. "Absolutely agree with you! I will announce 11 and make sure the opposition know the bowling and batting plans as well", he wrote.
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"In fact, the above will ensure that the anti corruption unit will take me to task & will also ensure my own failure.
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"In fact, the above will ensure that the anti corruption unit will take me to task & will also ensure my own failure.
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"Do you even know the rules? Where exactly are you coming from?"
Then finally, he dropped a bombshell, claiming that the team didn't need to search for a head coach when they have Dhoni. He wrote, “Adding on: When Msd is there why are you searching for anyone at all?”
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Dhoni didn't play a single game in IPL 2026 and was initially ruled out due to a calf strain. After he recovered and rehabilitated, he suffered a thumb injury ahead of their final game.
Dhoni is no longer CSK's captain, and becoming their next head coach makes perfect sense. He is the natural choice and is still part of the setup. His understanding of the game is unparalleled. His calm composure when under pressure makes him well-suited for the role. Throughout his tenure as captain of both CSK and India, he demonstrated the ability to make decisive strategic moves that often turned matches around.
He is also familiar with CSK's culture and hierarchy. He understands their philosophy, and players look up to him. From a fan's perspective, it would boost morale and maintain his status as the franchise's icon. The transition would also be seamless, due to his understanding of opponent analysis and player management.
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
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Home/Cricket/MS Dhoni tipped to become next CSK head coach: ‘When MSD is there, why are you searching for anyone at all?’
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