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.

Royal Challengers Bangalore clinched their second consecutive IPL title late Tuesday night, defeating Gujarat Titans by 4 wickets in a tense final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Captain Rajat Patidar, in an emotional post-match address, dedicated the victory to fans who lost their lives during a stampede at the team's championship roadshow in Bengaluru last year.

Victory Dedicated to Lost Fans

Patidar, 32, struggled to contain his emotions when asked about the 2025 incident that claimed multiple lives during the team's celebratory parade. "When you hear about such an incident, it's very sad," he told the host broadcaster. "On one side the team is celebrating, on the other side, fans lose their lives. They were not just fans, but part of the RCB family."

The stampede occurred in early 2025 when thousands had gathered along the city's MG Road to celebrate RCB's maiden title win. Local authorities had reported overcrowding as a primary factor.

 Kohli's Match-Winning Knock

Veteran batter Virat Kohli delivered when it mattered most. His unbeaten 75 off 42 deliveries — featuring nine boundaries and three sixes — anchored RCB's chase of 156 against a formidable Gujarat bowling attack. The strike rate of 178.57 reflected his aggressive yet controlled approach under lights at the world's largest cricket stadium.

Patidar was quick to acknowledge the former captain's influence. "Kohli helped me with technical aspects related to batting. He constantly guided the young players," Patidar said. "Whenever I see Virat bhai, he is always present for the team. Young players may hesitate to approach him, but he himself takes the initiative."

 Karthik Praises Captain's Calm

Dinesh Karthik, RCB's batting coach and mentor, credited Patidar's temperament for the team's successful title defence. Speaking on JioHotstar's coverage, the veteran wicketkeeper noted: "Rajat has been a huge calming influence in a dressing room that is high-octane and high testosterone. He keeps things very calm, and that's so important."

"The only time Rajat is aggressive is when he's batting," Karthik added. "Other than that, he brings a very calm atmosphere and is happy for senior players to go front and centre. That's an important trait in a leader."

 Comparisons with Dhoni, Rohit

Former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim drew parallels between Patidar and two of IPL's most successful captains. "One of the biggest reasons behind RCB winning a second consecutive title has been clarity around individual roles," Karim said. "For someone without international experience, earning respect in a dressing room filled with world-class players — including Virat Kohli — is not easy."

Karim continued: "When we talk about captains who have led teams to consecutive titles, names like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma come up. I can see similarities in the way Rajat Patidar leads this team."

 Gill Admits Top Order Failure

Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill offered no excuses after his side managed only 155 runs. "If we had reached 180-190, the contest could have been different," Gill said. "Losing early wickets broke our momentum. However, even after scoring 155, we were confident we could make a comeback by taking early wickets."

The defeat marks Gujarat's second runner-up finish in three seasons. For RCB, the victory caps a remarkable turnaround for a franchise that waited 17 years for its first title before winning back-to-back championships.