CSK pause coaching decisions while awaiting MS Dhoni’s call ahead of IPL 2026

Chennai Super Kings have put major staffing decisions on hold as they wait for MS Dhoni to decide whether he will take on the franchise’s head coach role or continue as a mentor, Rohit Juglan of Revsportsz reported on August 29, 2026. Dhoni did not play a single match for CSK in IPL 2026.

Stephen Fleming’s departure after more than a decade with CSK has left the franchise entering a new phase; Fleming helped the team win five Indian Premier League titles and was central to their sustained success. CSK failed to reach the playoffs in each of the last three seasons, and Fleming has since moved to take charge of England’s red-ball team.

According to the Revsportsz report, the franchise has “pressed pause” on several important decisions ahead of IPL 2027 and is awaiting Dhoni’s final choice on whether to join as coach or remain in a mentoring capacity before proceeding with other activities. The report says no major moves will be made until Dhoni clarifies his role.

The club’s immediate focus on Dhoni’s decision also extends to his playing status: CSK have not confirmed whether he will return to the field for IPL 2027. The absence of Dhoni from any match in IPL 2026 has added to the uncertainty over his on-field future.

Speculation over Fleming’s successor has included names such as Michael Hussey and other former CSK coaching staff, but no appointment has been officially confirmed. Recent reports suggested the franchise could announce a new head coach by September 20, though CSK have not publicly named Fleming’s replacement.

The franchise faces two clear structural options reported in the coverage: appoint a full-time head coach to work alongside Dhoni if he opts for a mentoring role, or construct a support staff around Dhoni should he choose a more hands-on coaching position. Dhoni has been described in the report as the central identity of CSK since the tournament’s inception, and his presence inside the setup has continued after he stepped away from captaincy.

CSK’s next confirmed step, per the reporting, is to await Dhoni’s decision before finalising the coaching structure; the club is therefore unlikely to complete a coaching appointment until he takes that call, with a possible announcement date of September 20 mentioned in recent reports.