Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend Ravichandran Ashwin believes the franchise should start planning for the future following Stephen Fleming’s exit as head coach. The former India spinner said the time has come for the five-time IPL champions to move in a new direction after one of the longest coaching partnerships in franchise cricket.
On Tuesday, CSK and Stephen Fleming mutually agreed to part ways, ending a remarkable 17-year association that brought multiple titles and established the franchise as one of the most successful teams in IPL history.
Ashwin Wants MS Dhoni to Take Over
Speaking about Fleming’s departure, Ashwin said there is no better candidate than MS Dhoni if the former CSK captain is interested in taking up the coaching role.
According to Ashwin, Dhoni understands the team’s culture better than anyone else. He also pointed out that the strong partnership between Dhoni and Fleming played a major role in CSK’s long-term success.
“If Dhoni is willing to take over, there is no better person Chennai Super Kings can go after,” Ashwin said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
However, he added that if Dhoni decides against coaching, the franchise should appoint someone capable of working independently and taking full responsibility for the team’s decisions.
Dhoni’s Presence Will Influence Any New Coach
Ashwin also admitted that replacing Fleming will not be an easy task.
He explained that Dhoni continues to be one of the most influential figures in the CSK setup. Even though his playing future remains uncertain, the former captain is still involved in discussions related to squad selection and team strategy.
Because of that, Ashwin believes any incoming coach could face additional pressure while working alongside such a respected and influential personality.
He said the new coach must be confident enough to make independent decisions while handling the expectations that come with leading one of the IPL’s biggest franchises.
Fleming and Dhoni Built One of IPL’s Greatest Partnerships
Ashwin praised the successful partnership between Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni, describing it as one of the biggest reasons behind CSK’s consistency over the years.
He said Fleming understood Dhoni’s leadership style perfectly, while Dhoni trusted Fleming completely. As a result, the duo built a stable environment that helped the franchise remain competitive season after season.
Ashwin also noted that every successful journey eventually reaches a point where change becomes necessary.
Stephen Fleming’s Remarkable CSK Legacy
Stephen Fleming joined Chennai Super Kings as a player during the inaugural IPL season in 2008 before becoming head coach in 2009.
During his tenure, CSK won five IPL titles and two Champions League Twenty20 trophies. The team also reached the IPL playoffs a record 12 times and qualified for 10 IPL finals, making it one of the most consistent franchises in T20 cricket.
His departure marks the end of an era that shaped Chennai Super Kings into one of the most successful teams in the history of the league.