Aakash Chopra selected 4 contenders to be the next head coach of CSK
Chopra believes that CSK can look at candidates who understand Indian cricket and, most importantly, have a strong connection with the franchise. He has four suggestions Ravichandran Ashwin, Suresh Raina, Hemeng Badani And Sanjay Bangar।
The first name in Chopra’s list is Ashwin. The experienced off-spinner has a strong association with Chennai, specializing in his strategic understanding of the game and has already been involved in coaching through his academy and TNPL commitments. Chopra also pointed to Ashwin’s relationship with MS Dhoni and his admiration for current CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. He also added that if CSK are looking for a relatively unusual coaching appointment, Ashwin could be seen as a long-term investment.
“If coaching qualifications are not looked at, he has the Chennai connection, he has a strategic brain, and he is an astute thinker of the game, then you don’t need to move away from Ravichandran Ashwin. He loves managing the team. He is currently the manager of a TNPL team. Why not? Have a conversation. He can be a long-term investment. When you look at the Indians, they would probably want to go for a slightly higher-profile guy. He has played with Dhoni a lot. He values Ruturaj a lot, and I think the feeling will be mutual. So why not Ravichandran Ashwin?,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
The second candidate is Raina, who is deeply associated with CSK. Raina spent most of his IPL career with this franchise and became one of the most recognizable members of the ‘Yellow Army’. Chopra also suggested that if CSK does not hand him the head coach role immediately, Raina could possibly take up the role of batting coach or mentor.
“What about Suresh Raina? He has such a huge Chennai connection that when Dhoni left cricket, he also left with him. He bleeds yellow. He loves this franchise very much. He is 100 per cent committed in this direction. There was a discussion whether Chinna Thala could become the batting coach or he could get a mentor role. Why not Suresh Raina? If you are wondering, neither Ashwin nor Raina have coaching. Ashish Nehra and Zaheer Khan did not have the experience, but they too have done a good job,” Chopra said.
Chopra’s third suggestion is Badani, who has connections with Chennai and experience in the IPL coaching setup. Badani has worked with Delhi and according to Chopra, he could be available depending on the change in the coaching structure of the franchise.
“What about Hemeng Badani? He is from Chennai. He has been the coach of Delhi. I think Hemeng Badani will bid adieu there, unless it has already happened. Why not Chennai? He is a homegrown talent,” Chopra said.
The fourth name mentioned by Chopra is Bangar, who brings extensive coaching experience in domestic and international cricket. Chopra told that Bangar has worked as the batting coach of the Indian team and punjab kings And Royal Challengers Bangalore He has also been associated with IPL franchises.
“What about Baba Bangar? It’s not just about the Chennai connection. He has been the India coach. MS Dhoni was there when he was India’s batting coach. He has been the Punjab Kings coach and has also worked with RCB. He has a portfolio. He has managed many IPL teams and the Indian team,” Chopra further said.
Fans expect changes in IPL 2027
CSK’s search for Fleming’s replacement is at a crucial juncture. The Yellow Army is hoping for a major turnaround ahead of IPL 2027, after a disappointing performance last season. The five-time champions finished eighth in the IPL 2026 points table and missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season. Such a prolonged decline in results has increased the pressure on the franchise to rethink its strategy.
With Fleming’s long-running era coming to an end, CSK have the opportunity to create a new coaching structure, while maintaining the values that made them one of the most successful IPL teams.
