Former India batter Hemang Badani has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Stephen Fleming as the next head coach of Chennai Super Kings (CSK). MS Dhoni is reportedly pushing the franchise towards an Indian-led support staff, with Badani at the top of the list after his stints in various T20 leagues.
The five-time IPL Champions parted ways with Fleming after the franchise missed the playoffs for a third consecutive season in 2026. CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed that the responsibility of finding the next head coach has been handed to Dhoni, who is also looking to oversee a major rebuild of the squad.
MS Dhoni Pushes for Indian Coach; Hemang Badani Emerges as Front Runner
According to The Indian Express, MS Dhoni has told the CSK ownership that he prefers an Indian coach. While the franchise is still considering overseas candidates, Hemang Badani has emerged as the frontrunner after his IPL experience and success in other T20 leagues.
Badani recently parted ways with Delhi Capitals. He has won titles in the SA20, ILT20 and Lanka Premier League. His experience with Tamil Nadu could also work in his favour, especially after CSK struggled to read the conditions at Chepauk in recent seasons.
The final decision, however, rests with the CSK ownership. The franchise is weighing both Indian and overseas options before appointing Stephen Fleming’s successor.
CSK Role Could Become a Hurdle for Hemang Badani
The report also stated that MS Dhoni has proposed that the new head coach should work exclusively with CSK and avoid commitments with other T20 leagues. Notably, Stephen Fleming also coached Johannesburg Super Kings in the SA20 and Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket.
They have already appointed Albie Morkel as Johannesburg Super Kings’ head coach for the upcoming season. Dhoni wants the Chennai coach to focus entirely on the IPL franchise, including player scouting and preparations for the next mega auction. That condition could create a hurdle for Badani.
He currently coaches Southern Brave in The Hundred and Dubai Capitals in the ILT20, while also working as a consultant for Seattle Orcas. It remains unclear whether the Chennai-based franchise would compensate him for giving up those roles.
CSK’s Poor IPL 2026 Campaign Triggers Major Rebuild
CSK moved away from the formula that had brought sustained success, including at the 2025 mega auction, and invested heavily in uncapped players ahead of the 2026 season. However, the strategy did not work during the 2026 season.
CSK finished eighth in the IPL 2026 points table under captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. They won six and lost eight of their 14 league matches to finish with 12 points. Former captain Dhoni also missed the entire season due to a calf injury.
Sanju Samson, who joined CSK in a trade from Rajasthan Royals, was their standout batter. He scored his first century for the franchise, an unbeaten 115 against Delhi Capitals, while Shivam Dube and uncapped batter Kartik Sharma also made important contributions.
The bowling attack struggled with consistency and injuries. Khaleel Ahmed missed the season after being ruled out early, while death-overs specialist Jamie Overton also suffered an injury during the latter stages.
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