Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Hayden Endorses Dinesh Karthik for Chennai Super Kings Coach
Chennai Super Kings need a new head coach because Stephen Fleming has left.
Matthew Hayden thinks Dinesh Karthik would be a very good choice.
Hayden likes the idea of having a coach with a local connection to Chennai.
He said overseas people could still work as support staff.
Karthik has worked as a batting coach and mentor for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Ravichandran Ashwin said Eoin Morgan might also be considered for the job.
CSK had a difficult season and finished eighth in the points table.
Fleming had helped CSK win five IPL titles with MS Dhoni.
The team has not yet announced its new coach.
Chennai Super Kings are seeking a head coach after Stephen Fleming’s departure last month.
Matthew Hayden said former India wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik could be an ideal replacement for Fleming.
Hayden argued that CSK should have a coach with local or Chennai connections.
Ravichandran Ashwin said Eoin Morgan’s name is strongly linked to the vacant position.
CSK finished eighth this IPL season, while Fleming previously guided the team to five titles.
- Who
- Chennai Super Kings, Matthew Hayden, Dinesh Karthik, Stephen Fleming, Eoin Morgan, and Ravichandran Ashwin are central to the report.
- What
- CSK is looking for a new head coach, with Hayden supporting Dinesh Karthik and Ashwin discussing Eoin Morgan as another possibility.
- When
- Fleming left last month; Ashwin discussed Morgan earlier this month, while CSK’s appointment remains unannounced.
- Where
- The comments were made during Hayden’s appearance on JioHotstar and Ashwin’s YouTube show, Ash ki Baat.
- Why
- CSK needs a replacement after Fleming’s departure and finished eighth in the latest IPL season.
Dinesh Karthik’s Local Fit
Eoin Morgan’s Alternative Candidacy
Preferred successor
Dinesh Karthik’s Local Fit
Matthew Hayden believes Dinesh Karthik is ready for the role and would provide CSK with a local connection.
Eoin Morgan’s Alternative Candidacy
Ravichandran Ashwin said Eoin Morgan’s name is strongly in circulation and that early discussions may be underway.
Coaching structure
Dinesh Karthik’s Local Fit
Hayden supports a locally connected head coach while allowing overseas personnel to serve on the support staff.
Eoin Morgan’s Alternative Candidacy
The report notes that international coaches are also being considered, with Morgan mentioned as a possible candidate.
- Vacancy
- Chennai Super Kings have not announced a new head coach.
- Former coach
- Stephen Fleming joined CSK in 2008 and became head coach in 2009.
- Hayden’s choice
- Matthew Hayden identified Dinesh Karthik as a potential ideal candidate.
- Alternative name
- Ravichandran Ashwin said Eoin Morgan’s name was strongly circulating.
- Recent result
- CSK finished eighth in the latest IPL points table.
- Fleming’s record
- CSK won five IPL titles under Fleming’s coaching.
- Local connection
- Hayden said the head coach should ideally bring a local or Chennai touch.