MS Dhoni could be set for a new role with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2027. Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes the veteran wicketkeeper might take up a mentorship role as the franchise prepares for a major change in its coaching setup.
CSK have appointed former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan as their new head coach after ending their long association with Stephen Fleming. Stephen Fleming had been associated with the franchise for 19 years, including 18 years as head coach. Former India pacer Mohit Sharma has also joined the coaching staff as the team’s bowling coach.
With several changes taking place behind the scenes, MS Dhoni’s role in the revamped setup will be closely watched. The former CSK captain missed the entire IPL 2026 season due to injuries and even stayed away from Chepauk for most of the team’s home matches. He will also be approaching his 46th birthday during the 2027 edition.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said it would be interesting to see how MS Dhoni, Zaheer Khan and current CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad work together. He suggested that Dhoni could become the team’s mentor and that the relationship between Ruturaj Gaikwad and the two experienced figures would be worth watching. Whether Ruturaj Gaikwad turns to Zaheer Khan for advice or seeks guidance from MS Dhoni could be an important part of CSK’s new setup.
Ashwin also expressed surprise at CSK’s decision to part ways with Stephen Fleming, considering the New Zealander’s long and successful partnership with Dhoni.
Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni played crucial roles in building CSK into one of the IPL’s most successful franchises. Together, they helped the team win five IPL titles. Ruturaj Gaikwad took over the captaincy ahead of the 2024 season, while Stephen Fleming continued to manage the team and Dhoni remained an influential figure in its cricketing decisions.
Ashwin felt Stephen Fleming had successfully adapted his coaching style to complement MS Dhoni’s leadership over the years. He questioned why CSK had decided to move on from the New Zealander, particularly after he had worked with Ruturaj Gaikwad for two to three years.
According to Ashwin, Stephen Fleming’s approach had always been to adjust to the needs of the team and its captain. He believed the coach had found the right way to work alongside MS Dhoni, making the decision to end their long association surprising.
Ashwin also suggested that Dhoni may have played a significant role in shaping CSK’s latest coaching appointments. However, he cautioned that bringing in new members of the coaching staff would not automatically guarantee better results.
With Zaheer Khan taking charge, Mohit Sharma joining as bowling coach and MS Dhoni potentially moving into a mentorship role, CSK’s preparations for the IPL 2027 will attract considerable attention. The big question is whether the franchise’s new combination can bring success while maintaining the winning culture established during the Dhoni-Fleming era.
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