Hemang Badani has emerged as the frontrunner to become Chennai Super Kings’ next Head Coach as the five-time IPL champions assess candidates to succeed Stephen Fleming, according to a report by The Indian Express.
Former CSK Captain MS Dhoni is playing a central role in the search and has advocated for an Indian-led support staff, shifting the direction of a process that had initially appeared likely to produce another overseas appointment. The final decision remains with the franchise’s ownership, which continues to consider international candidates alongside Badani.
Dhoni shapes CSK coaching search
CSK CEO and MD Kasi Viswanathan had previously told The Indian Express that Dhoni was given responsibility for helping identify Fleming’s successor after the franchise ended its long-standing association with the former New Zealand Captain. Fleming had been Head Coach since 2009, overseeing five IPL title-winning campaigns before departing following the 2026 season.
The change followed a prolonged downturn in results for a franchise historically associated with stability. CSK finished eighth in IPL 2026 and have now missed the playoffs in three consecutive seasons, having last won the competition in 2023.
Several discussions over the next appointment have taken place behind the scenes, with Dhoni helping establish the direction CSK wants to take. His preference for an Indian coach is partly linked to the increasingly influential role of domestic players in the IPL.
There nevertheless remains support within the franchise for appointing another overseas coach. Fleming delivered sustained success during his tenure, while foreign coaches have also produced strong results elsewhere in the IPL. CSK is assessing the advantages of both approaches before making its final choice.
Badani brings IPL and overseas experience
Badani’s candidacy gives CSK an option with experience across both the IPL and international franchise competitions. The former India batter spent the previous two IPL seasons as Head Coach of Delhi Capitals and has also been part of title-winning campaigns in the SA20, ILT20 and Lanka Premier League.
His background in Tamil Nadu cricket also gives him familiarity with conditions at Chepauk. That combination of local knowledge and franchise coaching experience has placed him prominently in CSK’s search.
The availability of overseas candidates with substantial IPL coaching experience is comparatively limited, another factor surrounding the franchise’s decision as it evaluates Fleming’s replacement.
Exclusivity could shape final appointment
CSK’s requirements extend beyond whether its next Head Coach is Indian or overseas. Dhoni has also proposed that Fleming’s successor should work exclusively with the Chennai franchise rather than hold coaching positions across multiple leagues.
Such an arrangement would represent a change from the previous setup. Fleming combined his CSK responsibilities with Head Coach roles at Johannesburg Super Kings in the SA20 and Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket.
That requirement could become significant if CSK chooses Badani. He currently coaches Southern Brave in The Hundred and Dubai Capitals in the ILT20, while also working as a consultant with Seattle Orcas.
Accepting the CSK position under an exclusivity requirement would therefore require Badani to resolve those existing commitments.
CSK ownership retains final decision
Despite Dhoni’s preference and Badani’s emergence as the leading candidate, CSK has not finalised the appointment. The ownership continues to assess the merits of an Indian-led coaching structure against the possibility of retaining the overseas model that delivered sustained success under Fleming.
The franchise has kept its candidate discussions private while the selection process continues. A decision on CSK’s new Head Coach could arrive within the next one to two weeks, bringing clarity to one of the franchise’s most significant leadership changes since Fleming took charge in 2009.
