Ruturaj Gaikwad on CSK Head Coach MS Dhoni. Image Credits: AFP
With the IPL 2027 retention deadline approaching, five-time champions CSK are functioning without a head coach. Now, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has spoken on how CSK's future could look like in the coming season.
Stephen Fleming, who worked with the franchise for two decades, recently parted ways through a mutual agreement. Fleming’s departure came after a string of CSK’s disappointing campaigns in 2024, 2025 and 2026, where they failed to qualify for the playoffs.
With the team being in a rebuilding phase post MS Dhoni’s captaincy, the management thought that it was the right time for Fleming to leave.
Ruturaj Gaikwad spills tea on CSK’s head coach hunt
Meanwhile, the IPL 2027 madness will begin soon as the retention deadline is approaching in a couple of months. It will be a mega auction season this time around, and hence, the pre-season preparation phase will be intense and crucial.
But apparently, there is no urgency within CSK leadership to sign a new head coach. When captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was asked to share an update on the team’s coach-hunting quest, he said the team is yet to make a decision.
“We will have a head coach. The management is obviously thinking about it. There is still plenty of time before the IPL, so there is no rush to make a decision,” Gaikwad told reporters.
According to Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK have plenty of time before IPL 2027, so the management wants to carefully decide who should take over. While discussions are taking place, there is no immediate deadline to sign somebody.
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Who is leading CSK’s head coach quest?
Interestingly, according to reports, ex-captain MS Dhoni, whose own participation for IPL 2027 is uncertain, is leading the quest to find a new head coach for CSK.
TOI reported that instead of Ruturaj Gaikwad, the captain, Dhoni will call the shots as he has been given that authority by the management. The report also mentioned that a new head coach will be appointed before September ends.
As for leading contenders, Mike Hussey’s name had emerged. But he reportedly joined Australia's coaching setup, which means he is not eligible anymore.
Hemang Badani, the head coach of DC, was also apparently discussed since his contract has expired. But again, he is yet to quit DC officially.
So, the options have narrowed down for CSK. They must seal a deal before they lose the luxury of choice.
Is MS Dhoni also an option for CSK?
Having said that, there have been reports about CSK waiting for MS Dhoni’s future decision before taking a call on the head coach. According to journalist Rohit Juglan, Chennai have given two options for Dhoni to either become a head coach or continue as mentor.
But the possibility of Dhoni donning the head coach hat is very slim. As one of the most legendary captains, he likes to take the shots on the field. And he previously said that if fitness allows, he would continue playing as a wicketkeeper-batter.
Also, there is a lot of uncertainty around MS Dhoni as he did not play the IPL 2026 season due to multiple injuries. Hence, CSK have an uphill task ahead of the IPL 2027 season to get the leadership house in order.
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