RCB Member Backed For CSK Head Coach Role By Matthew Hayden Before IPL 2027

RCB member backed for CSK head coach position [Source: AFP]The Chennai Super Kings are searching for a head coach after parting ways with Stephen Fleming. The IPL 2026 season was forgettable for CSK, as they finished eighth on the points table with only six wins in 14 matches. After the five-time champions missed out on the IPL playoffs for the third consecutive time, CSK's sister franchise Texas Super Kings claimed the bottom spot in the MLC 2026, managing only three victories in 10 outings. The lean run of the franchise across leagues forced the Super Kings management to move on from Stephen Fleming, who served as their head coach in the IPL as well as the SA20 and MLC. Now, with the Chennai-based team searching for a new head coach, former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden believes RCB mentor Dinesh Karthik is the perfect candidate to succeed Stephen Fleming at CSK for IPL 2027. Matthew Hayden feels Dinesh Karthik is ready to take over as CSK head coachSpeaking to Sportstar, Matthew Hayden reckoned that Chennai Super Kings should consider replacing Fleming with Dinesh Karthik, who is currently associated with RCB in the IPL. Although Fleming failed to propel CSK to the playoffs in the 2024, 2025 and 2026 seasons, he is the one who guided the franchise to five IPL titles during his 17-year tenure. The New Zealand legend formed the Super Kings' core strategic group alongside MS Dhoni, as the duo helped CSK clinch the coveted trophy in the 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023 seasons. Also Read: CSK’s India Test Reject Knocks On BCCI’s Door After Stunning Duleep Trophy ShowHayden, who is the co-owner and head coach of the Glasgow Cosmic for the inaugural European T20 Premier League (ETPL), acknowledged Fleming's achievements when he worked as the head coach alongside then-captain MS Dhoni. “It’s something that I really hope that the franchise gets right. Flemo (Stephen Fleming) did a fantastic job with MS Dhoni; that was really such a strong engine room of CSK," Hayden was quoted as saying by Sportstar. Speaking further, Matthew Hayden reckoned that although Fleming brought vast international experience to the table, RCB mentor Dinesh Karthik is the perfect candidate to replace him in the Super Kings' coaching setup. "There are names that have been mentioned; one of them was Dinesh Karthik, who I think is probably ready to take on that kind of role," Hayden added. Why is Matthew Hayden backing Dinesh Karthik for CSK head position?Dinesh Karthik, being a Chennai legend, can resonate with CSK's local fanbase. Also, as the former Indian wicketkeeper understands the playing conditions in Chennai, he can help CSK build a strong core group to maximise their home advantage in the IPL. Therefore, Matthew Hayden feels CSK must trust the local cricketer and draft him into their coaching setup for the IPL 2027. "I think it’s important to have a local coach. I know that a lot of franchises do go for international coaches, but I feel like the head coach role of a franchise as big as CSK should have that kind of local touch, even Chennai touch, which is why I thought Dinesh would be perfect,” Hayden added. Dinesh Karthik's success with RCB suggests he can break CSK's title jinxIt's worth noting that RCB hadn't won a single IPL title until the 2025 edition of the competition. Karthik played for the Bengaluru-based team till the IPL 2024 and was appointed as their batting coach and team mentor ahead of the 2025 season. He played a pivotal role alongside head coach Andy Flower, captain Rajat Patidar and RCB's Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, breaking RCB's title drought in IPL 2025. He has been instrumental in the franchise's success, as the Royal Challengers have won two consecutive IPL titles. Therefore, considering the IPL trophy has eluded the Super Kings over the last three seasons, Karthik's winning formula could work wonders for them if he switches from RCB to CSK for the 2027 edition. Also Read: Babar Azam Uncertain, Starc Spell And Rishabh Pant Injury- August 23 Cricket Highlights