MS Dhoni As CSK Coach? IPL Franchise Awaits Major Call From Star Player: Report

MS Dhoni CSK Coach: Chennai Super Kings could be preparing for a major change in their team structure, with MS Dhoni reportedly set to move into a coaching or mentoring position. The franchise is said to be waiting for the former captain to decide his next role before restarting key preparations for the upcoming IPL season.

The development comes after a difficult IPL 2026 campaign for CSK, who finished eighth in the standings. Dhoni, meanwhile, missed the entire season because of injuries, marking the first IPL season that he has sat out. According to Rohit Juglan of RevSportz, CSK have paused several major pre-season operations while Dhoni considers whether he will continue with the franchise in a different capacity.

The five-time champions reportedly want Dhoni to take either the head coach or mentor's position ahead of the mini-auction. “Sources have confirmed to me that Mahendra Singh Dhoni will take one of these two (coach or mentor) positions, and once that happens, you will see activities resuming immediately.

So, at this point of time, the chances of seeing Dhoni as a player in the upcoming season are very bleak,” he said in an Instagram video. If the report proves accurate, it would represent a significant transition for CSK and one of the most recognisable figures in IPL history.

MS Dhoni's potential change in role comes at the same time as CSK prepare to move on from Stephen Fleming. The franchise and the former New Zealand captain mutually agreed to end their long association earlier this year.

Fleming's relationship with CSK dates back to the inaugural IPL campaign in 2008, when he played for the franchise. He took over as head coach in 2009 and remained in charge until 2026. During that remarkable 19-year association, Fleming helped CSK win five IPL titles, working closely with Dhoni throughout much of the franchise's most successful period.

CSK must now identify a new head coach, while Dhoni's reported involvement could determine the direction of the franchise's next chapter. MS Dhoni is reportedly set to move into a coaching or mentoring position with the Chennai Super Kings.

The franchise is waiting for him to decide his next role before key preparations for the upcoming IPL season. CSK has paused several major pre-season operations as they await MS Dhoni's decision on whether he will continue with the franchise in a coaching or mentoring capacity.

This development comes after a difficult IPL 2026 campaign. The chances of MS Dhoni playing as a player in the upcoming season are reported to be very bleak. He missed the entire IPL 2026 season due to injuries. Stephen Fleming and CSK mutually agreed to end their long association earlier this year.

He served as head coach from 2009 to 2026, helping the franchise win five IPL titles. Suyash Sahay is a sports journalist at ABP Live English, specialising in cricket and football. He brings sharp insight, breaking down matches, moments, and narratives in a way that resonates with fans.