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Former India batter S Badrinath has advised Dinesh Karthik to think twice before accepting the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach role. His comments come after former CSK opener Matthew Hayden publicly backed Karthik to take over from Stephen Fleming.
Stephen Fleming's 18-year association with CSK came to an end in July 2026 after the franchise and the New Zealand great mutually decided to part ways. Fleming subsequently took charge as England's Test head coach, leaving CSK searching for his successor ahead of IPL 2027.
CSK looking for new head coach after Stephen Fleming's exit
Stephen Fleming's departure ended one of the longest and most successful coaching partnerships in IPL history. He took over as CSK head coach in 2009 and guided the franchise to five IPL titles, while also overseeing a period of remarkable consistency. CSK reached the playoffs in nine successive seasons from 2009 to 2019, excluding the two seasons when the franchise was suspended.
CSK are now considering several options for the vacant position. Names linked with the role in reports and public discussions include Eoin Morgan, Brendon McCullum, Michael Hussey Hussey, Rahul Dravid, Hemang Badani, VVS Laxman, Ricky Ponting and Dinesh Karthik.
More recent reports have suggested that CSK could prefer an overseas coach, with McCullum, Hussey and Morgan among the names discussed. However, there has been no official confirmation of Fleming's replacement yet.
As per the latest reports, CSK are waiting for MS Dhoni to take the final call on whether he will continue with the franchise as a coach or mentor, with no other major activities expected to move forward until his decision.
If I were Dinesh Karthik, I would think twice about coming to CSK - S Badrinath
Dinesh Karthik has enjoyed considerable success in his coaching role with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). He joined the franchise's support staff after retiring from professional cricket and has worked as their batting coach and mentor alongside head coach Andy Flower, winning back-to-back titles.
Speaking about Dinesh Karthik's potential appointment at CSK on his YouTube channel, S Badrinath urged the former India wicketkeeper to stay with RCB.
"If I were Dinesh Karthik, I would think twice about coming to CSK. He will probably think long and hard, but I think he should stay with RCB. He's in a good space with RCB. Everything has aligned perfectly there, and all the players are at their peak in RCB. They are in the space where CSK were in the first eight to ten years of the IPL."
S Badrinath believes the difference between the two situations makes RCB a better option for Dinesh Karthik at this stage. He stated:
"A coach can only do so much and is limited in the impact he can make on a team. The players on the field are the most important, and that is already present at RCB. On the other hand, CSK will have almost the same players for one more year in this cycle. For this reason, DK should stay with RCB."
Badrinath's comments came shortly after Matthew Hayden publicly backed Karthik for the CSK head coach position. Hayden called Karthik a potential "perfect" fit for the role and highlighted his connection with Chennai and his experience within the game.
RCB will do whatever it can to keep Dinesh Karthik - S Badrinath
Badrinath also feels RCB will make every effort to retain Karthik as they look to build on their breakthrough IPL 2025 campaign. He believes Karthik should stay and enjoy the rewards of the work he has already done with the franchise.
"Yes, the CSK role would be more challenging, and life is all about taking up challenges. But DK has already taken up a challenge as he helped build RCB from a tough situation."
"Now is the time for him to reap the benefits of that. So why would he leave now to take up another challenge? Also, RCB will do whatever it can to keep Dinesh Karthik. I don't think they'll let him go easily," he said.
Also Read: Dinesh Karthik tipped to replace Stephen Fleming as CSK coach
