Srikkanth Rejects Morgan, Backs Hussey for CSK Coach

Chennai Super Kings are on the hunt for a new head coach following Stephen Fleming’s departure after 18 years with the franchise, and former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth has made his preference clear. Fleming, who joined CSK as a player in the league’s inaugural 2008 season before becoming coach in 2009, steered the team to five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 crowns over his tenure. He has now moved on to coach England’s Test team, taking over from Brendon McCullum, following CSK’s third straight season without a playoff spot.

Morgan and McCullum Ruled Out

Speculation around Fleming’s successor intensified after former CSK player Ravichandran Ashwin floated Eoin Morgan’s name as a possible candidate. Srikkanth dismissed the idea outright, arguing that while Morgan was a fine player and captain for England, his coaching credentials don’t measure up, pointing to an unremarkable stint leading Kolkata Knight Riders. He suggested Morgan would be better suited staying in the commentary box. Srikkanth also advised against bringing in McCullum, who previously coached KKR to the 2021 IPL final, urging the franchise to look elsewhere.

Hussey Tipped as the Natural Fit

Instead, Srikkanth threw his weight behind Michael Hussey, the former CSK opener who has already served the team as batting coach. He believes Hussey’s existing familiarity with the CSK setup makes him the obvious internal choice, rather than bringing in an outsider.

Beyond the coaching search, CSK face a bigger transitional question: MS Dhoni’s role going forward. Srikkanth noted that clarity on Dhoni’s future needs to come first, before the franchise can properly settle its coaching structure and build its next era around captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and a younger core.