Chennai Super Kings (CSK) dismissed the recent rumors linking Rahul Dravid with the role of head coach of the franchise for the IPL 2027 season. The franchise clarified that there has been no official discussion regarding a coaching change despite growing speculation following their early exit from the current season.
Chennai Super Kings, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, faced another disappointing IPL campaign in 2026 and failed to qualify for the playoffs. The five-time champions finished at the bottom of the table. Notably, this is their third consecutive season without reaching the knockout stage since winning the title in 2023.
We didn’t take any call – CSK CEO reacts to Rahul Dravid rumors
According to a report in Cricbuzz, Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan refuted recent reports linking Rahul Dravid to the role of head coach of the franchise. He said the team has not yet made any decisions regarding changes to the coaching staff and will review it later in the season.
“We have not taken a decision on any cricket matter. We will review at some stage,” Vishwanathan told Cricbuzz.
The clarification came after growing speculations about Dravid being linked to CSK Kings following his exit from Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2026. Dravid, who led India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title, was recently seen visiting a franchise academy facility with the CSK chief executive.
The Chennai Super Kings management is aware of the growing criticism from fans on social media demanding changes in the coaching. However, the franchise believes that any final decision regarding the head coach position should be taken by Stephen Fleming out of respect for his long association with the team.
Stephen Fleming has served as the head coach of Chennai Super Kings since 2009 after joining the franchise as a player during the inaugural IPL season in 2008. Under his leadership, CSK won five IPL titles and two Champions League trophies, making him one of the most successful coaches in franchise cricket history.
Despite their past success, Chennai Super Kings have struggled in recent seasons. Since 2022, the franchise has managed only 17 wins and suffered 25 losses. During this period, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have recorded the two worst win-loss ratios in the tournament.
CSK has left the final decision on MS Dhoni’s future
Kasi Vishwanathan also talked about MS Dhoni’s future in the Chennai Super Kings setup. The CSK CEO said that the franchise has left the final decision entirely up to Dhoni regarding his role for the next season.
MS Dhoni can either return as a player in IPL 2027 or come into the role of support staff as a mentor or head coach. It is expected that the management will consult Dhoni before taking any major decisions regarding Stephen Fleming’s long-term future with the franchise.
Stephen Fleming currently works with multiple teams under the Super Kings ownership group and reportedly earns around one million dollars annually. Along with Chennai Super Kings, he also coaches Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket and Joburg Super Kings in SA20.
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