Former India batter Hemang Badani has reportedly emerged as the frontrunner to replace Stephen Fleming as Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) next head coach. The five-time IPL champions are looking at an Indian-led coaching setup, with MS Dhoni believed to be pushing for a change in the franchise’s support staff structure. CSK parted ways with Fleming after the franchise failed to qualify for the IPL playoffs for a third consecutive season in 2026.
Following the decision, CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed that the responsibility of identifying Fleming’s successor had been handed to Dhoni, who is also expected to play a key role in the team’s rebuilding process. According to The Indian Express, Dhoni has informed the CSK ownership that he would prefer an Indian head coach. Although overseas candidates remain under consideration, Badani has moved to the front of the race following his experience in the IPL and success across several T20 leagues.
Badani recently ended his association with Delhi Capitals and has built an impressive coaching résumé outside the IPL. He has been part of title-winning campaigns in the SA20, ILT20 and Lanka Premier League. His familiarity with Tamil Nadu conditions could further strengthen his case, particularly after CSK struggled to consistently adapt to the conditions at Chepauk in recent seasons.
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However, the final decision remains with the CSK ownership, which is assessing both Indian and overseas options before confirming Fleming’s successor.
One of Dhoni’s reported conditions could prove crucial in the appointment. The former CSK captain wants the next head coach to work exclusively with the franchise and avoid coaching commitments in other T20 leagues. Fleming previously combined his CSK role with coaching Johannesburg Super Kings in the SA20 and Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket.
CSK have already appointed Albie Morkel as Johannesburg Super Kings’ head coach for the upcoming season. Dhoni reportedly wants Chennai’s new head coach to dedicate his time to the IPL franchise, particularly player scouting, development and preparations for the next mega auction.
That requirement could create a complication for Badani. He currently coaches Southern Brave in The Hundred and Dubai Capitals in the ILT20, besides working as a consultant for Seattle Orcas. Whether CSK would be willing to compensate him for giving up those commitments remains unclear.
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CSK’s coaching search comes after a disappointing 2026 campaign. The franchise moved away from its traditional strategy at the 2025 mega auction and invested heavily in uncapped players, but the approach failed to deliver the desired results. Under captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK finished eighth in the IPL 2026 points table with six wins and eight defeats. Dhoni also missed the entire season because of a calf injury.
Sanju Samson, acquired from Rajasthan Royals, was their standout batter, scoring an unbeaten 115 against Delhi Capitals. Shivam Dube and uncapped batter Kartik Sharma also made useful contributions, while injuries and inconsistency affected the bowling attack. Khaleel Ahmed missed the campaign after an early injury, while death-bowling specialist Jamie Overton was also sidelined during the latter stages.
