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R Ashwin and MS Dhoni - (Source: AFP)
Preparations for IPL 2027 are in full swing. The focus is on CSK, who are still hunting for their head coach. After three consecutive poor seasons, the five-time winner ended their long-term association with Stephen Fleming, who has now joined hands with England as their head coach.
The vacant position is up for grabs, and several top names are expected to be leading the race. In the latest developments, former India spinner and CSK legend R Ashwin has also opened up on his chances to join Men in Yellow’s coaching set-up.
R Ashwin Rejects CSK’s coaching job
At present, R Ashwin is in Europe, featuring in ETPL 2026. The right-arm spinner is leading Dublin Guardians. Meanwhile, he got the chance to interact with Matthew Hayden, head coach of Glasgow Cosmic.
The legendary duo have spent a lot of time together at CSK. In the special interaction, Ashwin asked Matthew Hayden about his possibilities to join CSK as their head coach. In reply, the Australian legend denied any such approach and rather turned the tables on Ashwin.
Hayden asked Ashwin about a possible approach from CSK management for a coaching role. In reply, Ashwin neither accepted nor denied the possibility, but gave a diplomatic answer.
Ashwin stated that for any coach to join in the third year of an auction is difficult. Hence, denying the chance to join CSK for IPL 2027.
“Actually, I could ask the same thing of you. What are your thoughts?”, Hayden questioned Ashwin. “Actually, you have turned the tables on me. See, it is the third year going into the auction. I am not sure how difficult it gets for any coach,” Ashwin replied.
Is R Ashwin The Right Fit To Join CSK?
R Ashwin joined CSK in 2008. He played for the Men in Yellow till 2015 and then rejoined the side for a one-year stint in 2025. It has been hardly a year since Ashwin left international cricket, so it will be too early for any management, particularly CSK, to bet their hopes on the 39-year-old, who has no coaching experience so far.
Also Read: RCB Member Backed For CSK Head Coach Role By Matthew Hayden Before IPL 2027
Further, Ashwin is also interested in playing overseas leagues, and if he joins CSK, then it will be a huge responsibility, and his primary goal to play overseas will take a hit. Hence, it seems that it will be a win-win situation for both if R Ashwin does not enter coaching with CSK.
Leading Contenders For CSK Head Coach Role
In the same interaction with R Ashwin, Matthew Hayden confirmed that CSK had approached Dinesh Karthik and Rahul Dravid for the head coach role. However, both contenders are not the front-runners because of different reasons.
Dinesh Karthik is contracted with RCB and has won two trophies with them as a mentor. Hence, the defending champions won’t release him. Further, Rahul Dravid is also busy with ETPL and is enjoying his time off from coaching duties. His last stint was with Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025.
Also Read: Krunal Pandya Set For India Return After 5 Years; Massive Blow For RCB Before IPL 2027
