Chennai Super Kings are on the hunt for a new head coach, and a major name has entered the fray. Veteran India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has claimed that former England white-ball captain Eoin Morgan is strongly linked to the vacant top job at the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions.
This comes after the 18-year association with Stephen Fleming, who served as head coach for 17 seasons, concluded in July 2026, with Fleming moving on to coach England’s Test team.
Ravi Ashwin’s Strong Hunch
Speaking on his YouTube channel on August 13, 2026, Ashwin stated that his sources close to the Chennai franchise indicated a firm lean towards Morgan. “I have a strong hunch. Eoin Morgan’s name is strongly linked to the CSK head coach role, per my sources,” Ashwin remarked. He further added his expectation for a decision to be finalised within the next week, suggesting an announcement could come around August 20, 2026. Ashwin also hinted at a potential interim arrangement for the upcoming season, proposing that MS Dhoni could take charge before Morgan formally assumes the role, possibly after the mega auction in 2028.
Eoin Morgan’s Leadership Pedigree
Eoin Morgan’s credentials as a leader are undeniable. He famously captained England to their maiden 50-over Cricket World Cup triumph in 2019, revolutionising their white-ball approach. In the IPL, Morgan led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, guiding them to the final in 2021 where they ultimately fell to CSK. However, it’s noteworthy that Morgan has not held a head coaching position at any level since retiring from playing, primarily engaging in commentary and punditry.
CSK’s Transitional Phase
The Chennai Super Kings are at a pivotal juncture, seeking a fresh direction after three consecutive seasons without qualifying for the IPL playoffs. After winning their fifth title in 2023, the team finished 5th in IPL 2024, 10th in IPL 2025, and 8th in IPL 2026. The 2026 season also saw MS Dhoni miss every game due to injury. The franchise is keen to appoint a new head coach ahead of IPL 2027, with MS Dhoni’s future role also a subject of much discussion. Dhoni, who is 45 years old, is reportedly unlikely to play in IPL 2027 and could transition into a mentor or support staff position, with CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirming that Dhoni alone will decide his future involvement. Dhoni is also expected to have significant influence in the selection of the new head coach.
Ashwin further speculated that if Morgan is confirmed, Nathan Leamon, a data analyst who collaborated with England during Morgan’s captaincy, could also join CSK’s support staff.