Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend Matthew Hayden has backed Dinesh Karthik as a strong candidate to replace Stephen Fleming as the franchise’s head coach. Hayden believes Karthik’s coaching experience, understanding of the game, and Tamil Nadu roots could make him an ideal fit for the five-time IPL champions.

Karthik currently serves as the batting coach and mentor at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), having been part of both of the franchise’s IPL title-winning campaigns. His strong relationship with the RCB dressing room could make it difficult for CSK to lure him away. However, Hayden feels Karthik possesses the qualities CSK need as they begin transitioning towards a younger squad.

“Well, I feel like Dinesh Karthik would be a really good choice for CSK,” Matthew Hayden said on the Wisden Cricket podcast. “He has been kind of under the tutelage of other world-class coaches, including names like Andy Flower, for example, who have had very successful playing and coaching careers.”

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Hayden also highlighted Karthik’s connection with Tamil Nadu, where he has captained the state team at the domestic level. According to the former Australia opener, that local connection could help Karthik build a strong relationship with the CSK squad.

“But being a local Tamil boy, I feel like that is a really important piece. It’s not a must have, but for Tamil Nadu cricket in particular, I just felt like CSK has always been backed by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association. So I feel like some local flavour would be the next best step for CSK,” Matthew Hayden added.

With MS Dhoni still playing an influential role in CSK’s decision-making, the next head coach will need to develop a strong working relationship with the former India captain. Karthik’s experience of playing alongside Dhoni could work in his favour.

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Matthew Hayden further pointed out that CSK have traditionally looked beyond Tamil Nadu when building their squad. He believes local players can also help overseas coaches overcome language barriers and communicate effectively with younger cricketers, making them an important bridge between the coaching staff and the dressing room.