Eoin Morgan linked to Chennai Super Kings head coach role, Ashwin says

On 12 August 2026, former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin told viewers on his YouTube channel that Eoin Morgan is “strongly linked” to the Chennai Super Kings head coach position as the franchise searches for a successor to Stephen Fleming. Fleming’s departure ended a 19-year association with CSK.

Under Fleming, CSK won five Indian Premier League titles and established a record for consistency in the competition. The five-time champions have missed the playoffs in each of the last three seasons, and the squad is described in the source material as being in transition. Eoin Morgan retired from professional cricket in 2023 and has since been largely involved in commentary and punditry.

Morgan has never worked as a head coach at international level or in franchise cricket. As England captain he led the team to their first ODI World Cup title in 2019 and presided over a substantial change in England’s white-ball approach toward more aggressive play and greater reliance on players’ autonomy.

The lack of prior head-coaching experience is presented in the source as a clear concern. The article notes that an IPL coach must manage players from multiple countries, coordinate a large support staff and make strategic decisions across a long and demanding tournament.

Ashwin, who has a long association with CSK, voiced an alternative view about internal leadership at the franchise. “Personally, I feel this will go to MS Dhoni and be run by the others. I think that will be the right decision because appointing a replacement for Fleming is a touch late with the mega auction just a year away,” Ashwin added.

The piece contrasts the two options: Morgan would represent a different direction, bringing international captaincy experience and a record of reshaping a white-ball side’s approach, while Dhoni’s deep and long-standing ties to CSK are cited as reasons he might assume a larger role within the club’s cricketing structure. If the franchise opts for Morgan, the source states that CSK would be backing him to make the transition from international captain to franchise head coach.

Ashwin concluded his comments with a timetable for the franchise’s decision, saying: "I have a strong hunch. Eoin Morgan's name is strongly linked to the CSK head coach role, per my sources. I think a decision will be made in the next week," Ashwin said.