Post the retirement of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming, it is reported that MS Dhoni could open up a new role with the franchise. If such happens, the 45-year-old is reported to become CSK’s new head coach or mentor from the next season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 onwards.
On Tuesday (July 14), the Super Kings officially announced to part ways with Fleming, ending the former New Zealand skipper’s long-term relationship with the franchise since his role as a player in IPL’s inaugural season in 2008.
So far, Dhoni has remained silent about the speculation as there is no official confirmation from CSK’s five-time winning captain.
Meanwhile, former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin explains why MSD could be the favorite to open the next chapter for CSK’s leadership role.
Ashwin Opens Up About Fleming-Dhoni Partnership
Despite Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni’s sensational partnership over a decade, Ravichandran Ashwin believes that the franchise wanted to move in a different direction by parting ways with their head coach:
“Yes! Fleming understood Dhoni’s thought process, and in return Dhoni knew that Fleming was a great individual to be in authority. The partnership between these two lasted for a long time. I believe that CSK wanted to look beyond Fleming,” Ashwin explained.
‘No Better Person Than Him’: Ashwin’s Support for MSD
As the Chennai Super Kings are now searching for a successor to Stephen Fleming, the only name that strikes everyone’s mind, including Ashwin, is none other than Dhoni. The former CSK captain’s transition from player to coaching
“Certainly! There is no more eligible candidate than Dhoni with CSK constantly searching for a long-term successor. The legendary skipper is reported to be moving into the coaching role,” Ashwin added.
‘Find Someone Who Can Operate Independently’: Ashwin Warns CSK
Once MS Dhoni takes over the coaching or mentoring role, it is understood that he holds the decision-making power beyond player selection or on-field tactics. There is no doubt that CSK’s legendary player has reshaped the team’s dynamics and built a friendly atmosphere inside the dressing room since the franchise’s inception in 2008.
Ravichandran Ashwin points out that Dhoni could recreate the system adopted by Fleming. If MSD becomes the next coach or mentor, Ashwin predicts that CSK should give the new coach or mentor proper power and authority, even if Dhoni does not accept the role.
“See! If not Dhoni, CSK should find someone capable of operating independently and facing the consequences of their own decisions,” Ashwin said.
Why does MS Dhoni Still Remains As CSK’s Most Influential Personality?
Despite MS Dhoni not being CSK’s captain, he still remains the franchise’s most influential personality because he continues to drive discussions that define CSK’s squad strength and long-term vision. Here is what Ashwin had to explain:
“Certainly! I believe there is a small level of uncertainty for any individual walking into the dressing room. MS Dhoni is one such big name who is still very much involved in the discussion process when it comes to the squad that will be selected to play,” Ashwin shared his opinion.
CSK Mentor or Team India’s Mentor: New Confusions Arise
As MS Dhoni was spotted watching India’s match in the T20I and ODI series, speculations arose that the former captain could become the national team’s mentor. After the completion of any IPL season, MSD is hardly spotted in public events with a massive crowd gathering.
However, his recent public appearance among the spectators in the T20 World Cup 2026, as well as the white-ball series against England, ignites yet another hope among Indian fans. Some fans believe that the legendary cricketer has been closely watching India’s matches in recent times and could take a big decision.
This creates confusion among fans if Dhoni could take up the mentorship role for Chennai Super Kings or for Team India ahead of the ODI World Cup 2027.
CSK’s Achievements Under Fleming-Dhoni Era
Chennai Super Kings emerged as the joint most successful IPL franchise alongside Mumbai Indians during the Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni era. Here are the notable achievements of CSK when the duo was at the helm:
- Five-time IPL trophy winners.
- Two titles in the Champions League T20.
- Qualified for the IPL playoffs in 12 seasons.
- Reached the IPL finals on 10 occasions, out of which they won five championship titles.
- And many more achievements that highlight the franchise’s consistency under Fleming-Dhoni leadership.
Also Read: MS Dhoni Turns 45: Top 5 Moments That Define His Aura
Final Thoughts
So far, there is no confirmation whether CSK has decided to appoint Dhoni to form the crux of their coaching staff or appoint an eligible candidate to rebuild the team. After serving as the CSK’s head coach for 17 seasons, the franchise has decided to move into a new era.
At the same time, CSK is undergoing a transition phase, which makes them trapped between their highly successful past and an unsafe future.
The speculations about MS Dhoni’s mentorship either for CSK or Team India continue to grow day by day. Unless Captain Cool gives an official statement, the reports from various media sources cannot be considered true.
