Chennai Super Kings (CSK) dismissed recent rumours linking Rahul Dravid with the franchise’s head coach role for the IPL 2027 season. The franchise clarified that no official discussions have taken place regarding a coaching change despite growing speculation following their early exit from the ongoing season.
Chennai Super Kings, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, endured another disappointing IPL campaign in 2026 and failed to qualify for the playoffs. The five-time champions finished in the bottom half of the table. Notably, it's their third consecutive season without reaching the knockout stage since winning the title in 2023.
We Have Not Taken a Call - CSK CEO Responds to Rahul Dravid Rumours
According to a report by Cricbuzz, Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan denied the recent reports linking Rahul Dravid with the franchise’s head coach role. He said that the team has not yet taken any decisions regarding changes to the coaching staff and will review the season later.
“We have not taken a call on any cricketing matters. We will review at some stage,” Viswanathan told Cricbuzz.
The clarification came after growing speculation connected Dravid with CSK Kings following his exit from Rajasthan Royals before IPL 2026. Dravid, who guided India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title, was recently spotted visiting a franchise academy facility with the CSK chief executive officer.
CSK Might Back Stephen Fleming Amid Growing Coaching Change Calls
Chennai Super Kings management are aware of the growing criticism from fans on social media demanding a coaching change. However, the franchise believes that any final decision regarding the head coach position should come from Stephen Fleming himself out of respect for his long association with the team.
Stephen Fleming has served as Chennai Super Kings’ head coach since 2009 after first joining the franchise as a player during the inaugural IPL season in 2008. Under his leadership, CSK won five IPL titles and two Champions League trophies, making him one of the most successful coaches in franchise cricket history.
Despite their past success, the Chennai Super Kings have struggled in recent seasons. Since 2022, the franchise has managed only 17 wins and suffered 25 defeats. During the period, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have recorded the two worst win-loss ratios in the tournament.
CSK Leave Final Call on MS Dhoni’s Future
Kasi Viswanathan also spoke about the future of MS Dhoni within the Chennai Super Kings setup. The CSK chief executive officer said that the franchise has left the final decision completely to Dhoni regarding his role for the next season.
MS Dhoni could either return as a player in IPL 2027 or move into a support staff role as a mentor or head coach. The management is expected to consult Dhoni before making any major decisions regarding Stephen Fleming’s long-term future with the franchise.
Stephen Fleming currently works with multiple teams under the Super Kings ownership group and reportedly earns close to one million dollars annually. Along with Chennai Super Kings, he also coaches Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket and Joburg Super Kings in SA20.
