Ravichandran Ashwin Backs MS Dhoni to Become Next CSK Head Coach
A New Era on the Horizon for CSK?
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise has officially bowed out of the IPL 2026 playoffs race, marking a difficult end to their campaign after a heavy defeat against the Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. Finishing with just six wins from 14 matches, the side led by Ruturaj Gaikwad managed only 12 points, leaving them in seventh place on the IPL 2026 points table. This result underscores a worrying trend for the Yellow Army, as the franchise has now failed to qualify for the playoffs in each of the last three seasons.
The shift in leadership has been a significant point of discussion since MS Dhoni stepped down as skipper, handing the torch to prolific top-order batter Ruturaj Gaikwad. With the team struggling to replicate the success of previous championship cycles, former CSK cricketer and current Test star Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in on the future of the franchise, suggesting that the legendary wicketkeeper-batter should transition into the role of head coach.
Ashwin’s Vision for the Future
The conversation began on social media platform X, where a fan jokingly suggested that Ravichandran Ashwin should not replace Stephen Fleming as the head coach. The fan quipped that Ashwin would likely announce the playing XI to the public on his YouTube channel before the toss. Never one to shy away from a bit of banter, Ashwin responded with his signature wit, stating, “Absolutely agree with you! I will announce 11 and make sure the opposition know the bowling and batting plans as well. In fact, the above will ensure that the anti-corruption unit will take me to task & will also ensure my own failure.”
However, once the humor was set aside, Ashwin turned serious regarding the tactical direction of the franchise. He firmly suggested that the CSK management should not look beyond MS Dhoni if the time comes to appoint a new head coach. In a direct message to the franchise, he wrote, “Adding on: When MSD is there why are you searching for anyone at all?”
A Challenging Season for MS Dhoni
The 2026 season was particularly unusual for the CSK faithful, as MS Dhoni spent the entire tournament without playing a single match. Plagued by persistent injury concerns, the 44-year-old was ruled out for the initial two weeks due to a calf strain. Throughout the remainder of the season, Dhoni struggled to attain full recovery, spending the majority of his time rehabilitating in Chennai and only making occasional appearances at training sessions.
This development marked the first time in Dhoni’s storied 19-year IPL career that he went an entire season without taking the field. The emotional farewell he received in Chennai following the team’s final home game suggested that the end of his playing tenure might be imminent, with many speculating that he will not return for IPL 2027.
Reflecting on the 2026 Campaign
The CSK franchise started their IPL 2026 journey under Ruturaj Gaikwad with three consecutive defeats, putting them on the back foot early. Although the team showed resilience by winning six of their next eight matches—climbing back into playoff contention—the momentum was short-lived. A string of three losses in their final league fixtures, including a demoralizing 89-run drubbing at the hands of the Gujarat Titans, ultimately sealed their fate.
With a dismal net run rate of -0.345, the team finished in seventh position. As the franchise looks toward the future, the prospect of MS Dhoni taking on a mentorship or coaching role remains a tantalizing possibility for fans who hope to see the legend continue his influence within the Chennai dressing room, even if his days as a player have truly come to an end.
