![Brendon McCullum, CSK CEO and MS Dhoni [Source: AFP and @ChennaiIPL]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1786370851556_BrendonMcCullumCSKCEoandMSDhoni.jpg?type=hq)
Brendon McCullum, CSK CEO and MS Dhoni [Source: AFP and @ChennaiIPL]
Stephen Fleming had built a legacy for the Chennai Super Kings before stepping down as the head coach just a few weeks ago. Under Fleming, in 18 years, CSK managed to grab 5 titles; however, things weren’t on the greener side in the last few seasons, which drew the last straw for the management.
In fact, in the last six years, CSK have won 2 titles; however, the last 2 seasons had the management thinking about where they have been lacking, later admitted by Fleming himself as well.
Nevertheless, as the Yellow Camp moves on, they are now in dire need of a new coach as the IPL 2027 auctions knock on the door.
Earlier, former DC coach Hemang Badani and Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin were the prime candidates for the role; however, in a recent report, CSK CEO have indicated that the upcoming coach is set to be an overseas candidate, which immediately rules out any Indian option.
With overseas coaches, there are so many options to choose from, though. Hence, let’s take a look at the most possible and most suitable ex-players or coaches outside India who can become the new CSK head coach.
1) Brendon McCullum
The exit of the New Zealander has most popularly been speculated to be replaced by another New Zealander, that is, Brendon McCullum.
McCullum, one of the most aggressive batters of his time, recently stepped down as England’s Test coach and will have spare time at his disposal to do a CSK stint.
His contention is more likely since the Yellow Army has an aggressive style of playing with the bat, and Brendon, being the specialist T20 batter he was during his IPL days, can be one of the most suitable options Chennai could go for.
McCullum was first appointed as the head coach of his former IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders in 2019, and after leading the team to a final in 2021, he stepped down in 2022.
Notably, he was appointed as the coach of Trinbago Knight Riders too in 2019, for whom he won the title in CPL 2020. Later, he was roped in by the England and Wales Cricket Board in 2022 to begin the Bazball era and is currently the white-ball coach of the Three Lions.
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2) Mike Hussey
Mike Hussey, aka ‘Mr. Cricket ’, has been doing a phenomenal job as the batting coach of CSK since his appointment in 2018. The Australian is now one of the leading internal candidates to get promoted in the setup and take the role of CSK head coach.
However, there’s a subtle roadblock to the possibility since Stephen Fleming, who has now joined as England’s Test coach, demanded Hussey’s assistance in the national team and Hussey is yet to respond. Hence, only his decision could shape the future of the Yellow camp or the Three White Lions at this stage.
Nevertheless, Hussey started his coaching stint with CSK and then took up a mini stint with the Australia Men’s Team as batting consultant in 2020. He also assisted the England cricket team in 2022 and has been the Welsh Fire head coach in The Hundred since 2023.
With Michael being a long-term associate with CSK, at this point, he looks like a solid option, given his compatibility with the players in the camp and the ease with which he could operate effortlessly as a supervisor.
3) Albie Morkel
Albie Morkel was appointed the Joburg Super Kings head coach recently for the SA20 tournament, and interestingly enough, Fleming was the head coach of Joburg too before stepping down.
JSK is a sister franchise of the same CSK umbrella, and if it means anything, Morkel now stands as one of the leading contenders for the Chennai head coach position, given the recent faith shown by the franchise for the SA20 stint.
Morkel has also been a part of the Chennai team during their 2010 and 2011 title wins and is familiar with the culture the Chepauk franchise banks on. Hence, he can be looked at as one of the primary candidates.
As for his coaching CV, Albie Morkel have also served as the coach of the Namibia national cricket team and as the specialist T20 coaching consultant for the South African national team earlier this year.
Other mentions: Notably, former Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott and current Pakistan coach Mike Hesson are also prime candidates for the Chepauk job, with both of them having a vast portfolio of T20 and franchise cricket success.
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