Former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth has given his opinion on Chennai Super Kings’ search for a new head coach. He does not want CSK to appoint Eoin Morgan or Brendon McCullum. Instead, he wants the franchise to bring in a familiar name, former Australia batter Michael Hussey.
CSK are searching for a new coach after parting ways with Stephen Fleming, who led the team for 18 seasons. Several big names have been linked with the role, but Srikkanth feels CSK should look within their existing setup.
Srikkanth strongly opposes the idea of Eoin Morgan taking charge. Morgan led England to their first ODI World Cup title in 2019 and has plenty of leadership experience. However, Srikkanth does not think that makes him the right choice to coach CSK.
“I won’t go for Eoin Morgan for sure. He was a good player and a good captain for England. But as a coach, I won’t accept him as an option. Even for KKR as their captain, he didn’t do anything great. It’ll be best if he just sticks to commentary,” said Srikkanth, speaking on his YouTube channel.
Srikkanth’s criticism mainly comes from Morgan’s lack of coaching experience. Morgan enjoyed great success as England’s white-ball captain and played a major role in their rise, but he has never worked as an IPL head coach. His biggest IPL leadership role came with KKR, whom he captained to the 2021 final before they lost to CSK.
Interestingly, another CSK star, Ravichandran Ashwin, recently backed Morgan for the role. Ashwin said Morgan could be one of CSK’s options and hinted that the franchise may already be discussing his appointment. This makes Srikkanth’s opposition to Morgan even more interesting.
Srikkanth Doesn’t Want McCullum Too as CSK New Coach
Srikkanth also does not want CSK to hire Brendon McCullum. McCullum has IPL coaching experience, having coached KKR from 2020 to 2022. He took them to the 2021 final, with Morgan as captain. McCullum later gained more recognition as England’s Test coach. However, Srikkanth believes CSK should choose someone else.
“Likewise, it’ll be good for CSK if they don’t appoint Brendon McCullum as the head coach. They should say no to both Morgan and McCullum,” he added.
Srikkanth’s comments show that he prefers someone who already knows the CSK setup rather than a big international name. That is why he likes Michael Hussey for the job.
Why Michael Hussey Could Be an Ideal Choice for Krishnamachari Srikkanth?
Hussey has a strong connection with CSK. The former Australia batter played for the team and became one of its most popular and respected overseas players. He later returned to CSK as the batting coach, giving him experience both as a player and as a coach.
Srikkanth feels this experience gives Hussey an advantage. He already understands CSK’s culture, team environment and way of working. Unlike an outsider, Hussey would not need much time to settle into the franchise. For Srikkanth, that makes him a natural choice to become CSK’s next head coach.
“CSK don’t need anyone from outside when they have Mr. Cricket with him. Michael Hussey should be the automatic head coach. He will be the best choice. But what will MS Dhoni’s place in CSK be going forward? That arrangement has to be fixed first, and only then will everything else fall in place,” Srikkanth said.
Srikkanth’s final point is important. He believes CSK’s coaching decision depends on MS Dhoni’s future role. Dhoni has been a key part of CSK’s identity for many years, so the franchise may first need to decide his position before choosing the next head coach.
Who Could Be CSK’s Next Head Coach?
A few names are currently being discussed.
Eoin Morgan has strong leadership experience and led England to their first ODI World Cup title in 2019. However, his lack of coaching experience, especially in the IPL, could hurt his chances.
Brendon McCullum has more coaching experience. He coached KKR from 2020 to 2022 and later became a successful England coach. His modern and aggressive approach could appeal to CSK, although Srikkanth does not support his appointment.
Michael Hussey offers something different: continuity. He knows CSK well, has worked with the players and staff, and understands the franchise’s culture. His previous role as batting coach also gives him experience inside the setup.
Rahul Dravid could also be a strong option for the CSK head coach role. His experience with the Indian team and Rajasthan Royals makes him a good candidate. His calm approach, leadership skills and ability to develop players could also make him a good fit for Chennai.
CSK could consider other experienced coaches too. But after 18 seasons with Stephen Fleming, the next appointment will mean much more than simply filling a vacant post. It could mark the start of a new era for the franchise.
CSK’s New Era After Fleming
Fleming’s exit has created one of the biggest coaching vacancies in the IPL. Ashwin has backed Morgan, while Srikkanth has rejected both Morgan and McCullum and instead supported Hussey.
However, Srikkanth feels CSK must first decide Dhoni’s future role. After that, they can choose the coach who best fits the team’s next chapter.
For Srikkanth, that person is clear: “Mr. Cricket” Michael Hussey.
What do you think? Who will be the next CSK head coach? Let us know your prediction in the comments.
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FAQs:-
(1) Who is the new head coach of CSK?
A. As of August 2026, CSK hasn’t announced a new head coach.
(2) How many IPL titles did CSK win under Stephen Fleming?
A. CSK won five IPL titles under Stephen Fleming, in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023.
(3) What is Stephen Fleming’s coaching record with CSK?
A. Under Fleming, CSK played 278 games and won 153. He has an almost 55% win record.
(4) Who could replace Stephen Fleming as CSK head coach?
A. Michael Hussey, Eoin Morgan, Brendon McCullum and Rahul Dravid are among the names that could be considered for the CSK head coach role.
