Chennai Super Kings are preparing for a significant transition after the end of Stephen Fleming’s 18-year association with the franchise, and former India opener K Srikkanth believes Michael Hussey could be the ideal man to take the team forward. Fleming’s departure has left CSK searching for a new head coach for the first time in nearly two decades. The former New Zealand captain joined the franchise as a player in the inaugural IPL season in 2008 before taking over as head coach in 2009.Over the next 17 years, Fleming became one of the central figures behind CSK’s identity, guiding the franchise to five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 trophies. His exit comes after CSK missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons.Fleming has since taken up a new challenge, being appointed England’s Test head coach, replacing Brendon McCullum.
Srikkanth rules out Morgan and McCullum
As speculation grows over Fleming’s successor, former India and CSK player Ravichandran Ashwin recently suggested that former England white-ball captain Eoin Morgan could be among the names in contention. Srikkanth, however, has firmly rejected that possibility.“I won’t go for Eoin Morgan for sure. He was a good player and a good captain for England. But as a coach, I won’t accept him as an option. Even for KKR as their captain, he didn’t do anything great. It’ll be best if he just sticks to commentary,” said Srikkanth, speaking on his YouTube channel.He also advised CSK against considering Brendon McCullum, who previously coached Kolkata Knight Riders and guided them to the IPL final in 2021.“It’ll be good for CSK if they don’t appoint Brendon McCullum as the head coach. They should say no to both Morgan and McCullum,” he added.
‘Michael Hussey should be the automatic choice’
Instead, Srikkanth believes CSK already have a familiar figure within their ecosystem who could seamlessly step into the role. His choice is former CSK opener Michael Hussey, who has previously worked with the franchise as a batting coach.“CSK don’t need anyone from outside when they have Mr Cricket with him. Michael Hussey should be the automatic head coach. He will be the best choice,” Srikkanth said.
CSK’s post-Fleming transition
The coaching vacancy is only one part of a much bigger transition facing CSK. The franchise’s most successful era was built around the close partnership between Fleming and MS Dhoni, with the duo forming the tactical and cultural backbone of the team for years.Dhoni’s future is another major question for the franchise, particularly as CSK look to build around captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and a younger core. Srikkanth himself believes that issue needs to be settled before the franchise can properly determine its next coaching structure.“But what will MS Dhoni’s place in CSK be going forward? That arrangement has to be fixed first, and only then will everything else fall in place,” he said.That could prove to be the most important decision of CSK’s transition.
