Michael Hussey emerges front‑runner to become Chennai Super Kings coach

On September 20, 2026, Michael Hussey was reported as the front‑runner to take over as head coach of Chennai Super Kings, according to Rohit Juglan of Revsportz. The franchise has been without a head coach since Stephen Fleming stepped down in July.

Fleming was appointed as CSK’s head coach in 2009 and was described as a major factor behind the side’s success. Under Fleming, CSK won five Indian Premier League titles and two Champions League T20 trophies. The franchise said Fleming and the club mutually agreed to part ways, and he also ended his ties with Joburg Super Kings (SA20) and Texas Super Kings (MLC). The announcement followed the Texas Super Kings finishing last in their Major League Cricket group stage, and Joburg Super Kings have failed to attain significant success over the last four seasons; Fleming’s future had been under scrutiny after CSK did not win a title in the last three IPL campaigns.

According to the report, Hussey — who has served as Chennai’s batting coach "since long" — is currently the leading candidate. The former Australian batter played for CSK from 2008 to 2013 and again in 2015 and is noted in the report to have enjoyed a strong relationship with the franchise.

Former India player Hemang Badani is also reportedly in contention for the job. Badani worked as the fielding and batting coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad between 2021 and 2023, was appointed head coach of Delhi Capitals ahead of the 2025 season, and coaches the Southern Brave men’s team in The Hundred, according to the article.

The piece also states that Michael Hussey became the head coach of CSK in January 2018. Eric Simons is named in the report as continuing to serve as the franchise’s bowling coach.

CSK have not announced a successor to Stephen Fleming, and the report says fans may have to wait a little longer to learn who will take over at Chepauk.