Chennai Super Kings are looking for a new head coach ahead of IPL 2027, and former Australia opener Matthew Hayden has backed an Indian name for the high-profile role. Hayden believes Dinesh Karthik could be the right person to take over from Stephen Fleming and bring a stronger local connection to the franchise.

Fleming's 18-year association with CSK has come to an end, leaving the five-time IPL champions with a major decision over their next head coach. Several names have been linked with the vacancy, but Hayden has specifically identified Karthik as his preferred choice.

Hayden explained that Karthik is ready for the responsibility and has the kind of connection with Chennai that could benefit CSK.

"Dinesh Karthik is probably ready to take on that role. It's important to have a local coach," Hayden said.

He further pointed to Karthik's Chennai roots while explaining why he would be a suitable candidate for the position.

"CSK should have that local touch, even Chennai touch, which is why Dinesh would be perfect," Hayden added.

Why Hayden Wants a Local Coach

Karthik's connection with Chennai is one of the strongest factors behind Hayden's recommendation. Born in Chennai, the former India wicketkeeper-batter represented Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket and has spent much of his career closely associated with the city and its cricketing culture.

Karthik also has recent experience working within an IPL coaching environment. He is currently associated with Royal Challengers Bengaluru as a mentor, giving him exposure to the tactical and strategic aspects of franchise cricket beyond his playing career.

For CSK, the appointment would represent a major change after nearly two decades under Fleming. The New Zealand great became synonymous with the franchise's coaching structure and worked closely with MS Dhoni throughout CSK's most successful period.

Who Else Is in the Race?

CSK have not officially appointed Fleming's successor yet. Former England captain Eoin Morgan and former CSK batter Michael Hussey have also been mentioned among the possible candidates.

Hayden's comments, therefore, represent a recommendation rather than an indication that Karthik is set to become CSK's next head coach.

The timing of the coaching search is significant for CSK after the franchise endured another difficult IPL campaign. The five-time champions finished eighth in IPL 2026 and missed the playoffs for the third successive season.

The franchise will now have to decide whether to continue with a familiar overseas coaching structure or move towards a new model with greater Indian and Chennai influence.

What About MS Dhoni?

Dhoni remains an important part of the wider CSK conversation, but Hayden's recommendation is specifically about the head coach position. The former India captain has been central to CSK's identity since the inaugural IPL season, while Fleming's coaching tenure ran alongside Dhoni's leadership for most of that period.

Hayden's suggestion does not indicate that Dhoni is being considered for the coaching role. Instead, he has singled out Karthik as the Indian candidate he believes could provide CSK with the local connection the franchise needs.

For now, the decision remains with CSK. Whether the franchise follows Hayden's advice and appoints Karthik—or chooses another successor to Fleming—will become one of the key developments ahead of IPL 2027.

England white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum has thrown his full support behind Joe Root's return as England's Test captain, calling him the ideal leader to guide the team through its transition period. At the same time, McCullum revealed that Harry Brook is being developed as England's long-term captain for the red-ball format.

McCullum backs Root's leadership

McCullum praised the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) decision to hand the Test captaincy back to Root following Ben Stokes' retirement. He believes Root's experience, leadership qualities, and understanding of the game make him the perfect choice to lead England during a rebuilding phase. 

Harry Brook seen as future captain

While backing Root for the present, McCullum made it clear that Harry Brook is a key part of England's long-term leadership plans. He said the young batter will be mentored and developed to eventually take over the Test captaincy in the future. 

Stephen Fleming's arrival welcomed

McCullum also praised the appointment of Stephen Fleming as England's new Test head coach, saying his vast coaching experience will strengthen the red-ball side and help shape the team's future

England enters rebuilding phase

With Root back as captain, Fleming taking charge of the Test team, and Brook being groomed for leadership, England appears to be focused on building a stable long-term structure after a period of transition. The changes are aimed at restoring consistency and strengthening England's position in Test cricket.

London: Former England captain Ben Stokes has revealed that he hopes to coach the England cricket team after bringing the curtain down on his playing career. The veteran all-rounder said he has already started preparing for life after retirement by pursuing formal coaching qualifications and remains determined to stay connected with the game. Stokes, who retired from international cricket during England's Test series against New Zealand earlier this year, believes his experience as a player and captain has equipped him for a future coaching role.

Speaking about his post-retirement plans, Stokes said he is currently working on his Level 3 coaching qualification, ensuring that he is fully prepared when the opportunity arises. The 35-year-old explained that he wants to complete all the necessary coaching certifications while he is still actively involved in cricket so that he can smoothly transition into coaching after retirement.

"I’m doing my Level 3 coaching now while I’m still playing because I want everything completed by the time I finish playing," Stokes said. "I know what I want to do after my playing career, and that is to become a coach."

The former England skipper admitted that coaching the national team remains one of his biggest ambitions. He said that if the opportunity ever comes to lead England from the dressing room instead of the field, he would gladly accept the challenge.

"I want to be a coach, and would I love to coach England one day? Absolutely," Stokes said. "I believe I would do a good job because I now understand the responsibilities that come with leading a team. I don't mind making big decisions, and captaincy has helped me develop that mindset."

Stokes captained England's Test side from 2022 before stepping away from the leadership role following his retirement. During his tenure, he played a key role in reshaping England's approach to Test cricket with an aggressive and fearless style alongside head coach Brendon McCullum. His leadership was widely credited for transforming England's performances in the longest format of the game.

One of the greatest all-rounders of his generation, Stokes enjoyed an illustrious international career spanning more than a decade. He was instrumental in England's historic 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup triumph, delivering a match-winning performance in the dramatic final against New Zealand. The same year, he produced one of the most memorable innings in Test history with his unbeaten knock at Headingley during the Ashes, helping England pull off an extraordinary victory against Australia.

Following Stokes' retirement, Joe Root returned as England's Test captain, while former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming was appointed as the team's head coach. The new leadership combination has already begun preparing for England's upcoming international assignments.

During the interaction, Stokes also shared his thoughts on England's current white-ball captain Harry Brook. He praised Brook's leadership qualities and questioned the decision not to appoint him as stand-in Test captain when Stokes missed a Test match against New Zealand. According to Stokes, if the management believes a player has leadership potential, they should give him the opportunity rather than delaying the responsibility.

"I thought Brook should have been given the chance," Stokes said. "If someone is your vice-captain and the captain isn't available, then naturally he should lead the team. Otherwise, it sends the wrong message."

Stokes explained that while he understood the reasoning behind England's decision at the time, he still felt it could have affected Brook's confidence. He believes that trusting young leaders early in their careers helps them grow into stronger captains in the future.

Even after retiring from international cricket, Stokes remains closely connected with the sport and continues to contribute through mentoring younger players and preparing for a coaching career. His latest comments indicate that his association with English cricket is far from over, with the former captain now setting his sights on shaping the next generation from the sidelines.

Joe Root has been appointed England's Test captain, returning to the leadership role more than four years after stepping down from the position. Root will replace Ben Stokes, who recently retired from international cricket, while former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming has been appointed as England's new Test coach. The changes mark the beginning of another phase for England's red-ball side after a turbulent few months. Root's first assignment after returning as captain will be the three-match Test series against Pakistan, beginning in Leeds on August 19. For the experienced batter, captaincy is hardly unfamiliar territory. Root previously led England's Test team for around five years, from February 13, 2017, to April 15, 2022, captaining the side in 64 matches before eventually stepping down. His return means England have opted for an experienced hand at a time when the Test setup is going through significant changes both on and off the field.

The developments come after a difficult period for the England cricket setup. According to the information provided, Stokes faced suspension following a late-night drinking incident and nightclub controversy in Chelsea after the opening match of a series. He subsequently announced his retirement from international cricket earlier this year, leaving England searching for a new Test captain. Alongside Root's return to leadership, England have brought in Stephen Fleming to take charge of the Test team. The 51-year-old has built a strong reputation as a coach, particularly through his long association with Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. Under Fleming's coaching, CSK won the IPL title five times, making him one of the most successful coaches in the competition's history. His coaching experience is not restricted to the IPL. Fleming has also worked with CSK's sister franchises in South Africa's SA20 and Major League Cricket in the United States. He also has a long connection with English domestic cricket. During his playing career, Fleming represented Middlesex, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire, while more recently he worked as head coach of Southern Brave in The Hundred.

Brendon McCullum, meanwhile, has stepped away from his role as England's Test coach but will continue as head coach of the ODI and T20I teams until the end of next year, according to the details provided. The arrangement means England will now have separate coaching leadership for red-ball and white-ball cricket. Fleming and McCullum have been close friends and professional associates for a long time, something that could help England maintain coordination between the two setups despite the change in responsibilities. For Root, the immediate challenge will be different. His first stint as captain lasted 64 Tests and placed him at the centre of England's red-ball cricket for five years. This time he returns as a far more experienced player and with a new coach alongside him. The Pakistan series beginning on August 19 will provide the first indication of how the Root-Fleming combination intends to shape England's Test side. With Stokes no longer part of international cricket and McCullum concentrating on the limited-overs teams, England have effectively reset their Test leadership. Root's return offers continuity and experience, while Fleming arrives with a coaching record built around sustained success in franchise cricket. Attention will now turn to Leeds, where their new partnership is set to face its first major test.

MS Dhoni to Miss Six IPL Matches: CSK Update

Injury Blow Hits CSK

Chennai Super Kings face a major setback as MS Dhoni will miss the first six matches of IPL 2026 due to a calf strain. The 44-year-old icon skipped the team's travel to Guwahati for the opener against Rajasthan Royals on March 30. Sources indicate rehab will keep him out until late April.

Calf Strain Details Emerge

Dhoni picked up the injury during pre-season training, ruling him out for at least two weeks. A senior CSK official confirmed he stayed back in Chennai for rest and recovery. "We want him back soon; it's a big blow, but we must manage," the official told reporters.

Fleming Shares Insights

Head coach Stephen Fleming addressed the media ahead of the campaign. He stressed the team's depth behind Dhoni. Fleming noted Dhoni's irreplaceable energy but backed backups to step up. Reports from Times of India first flagged the extended absence.

Dhoni's IPL Legacy

Dhoni has featured in every IPL edition since 2008, one of just four players with that record. CSK, five-time champions under his leadership, traded for Sanju Samson last year. The move sent Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals.

Samson Steps In

Samson takes over wicketkeeping duties and opens with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. CSK also bank on Urvil Patel and high-bid Kartik Sharma, snapped for ₹14.2 crore at the 2025 auction. Officials see this as a timely buffer against Dhoni's absence.

Packed April Schedule

CSK tackle a grueling April with seven games. They face Punjab Kings on April 3, Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 5, Delhi Capitals on April 11, and Kolkata Knight Riders on April 14. Blockbuster clashes follow against Mumbai Indians on April 23 and Gujarat Titans on April 26.

Impact on Campaign

Dhoni's miss tests CSK's bench strength early. Fans worry about momentum without 'Thala', but Samson’s form offers hope. The franchise eyes a strong start in Guwahati to build pressure on rivals. Injury woes hit just as IPL heats up.

Road to Recovery

Dhoni focuses on rehab, with a possible return in late April. CSK monitors progress daily. Team sources expect him for May clashes if all goes well. This latest news today underscores IPL's injury risks amid fierce competition.

CSK adapts to life without MS Dhoni for six IPL 2026 matches, turning to Sanju Samson amid a calf strain update. Stay tuned for more India news updates and English news portal India coverage on this public interest story.