After serving as Chennai Super Kings’ head coach in the IPL from 2009 to 2026, former New Zealand captain and top-order batter Stephen Fleming stepped down from the role on July 12. The former left-handed Kiwi batter subsequently joined England as the head coach of their men’s Test team, leaving CSK in search of his successor. According to CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan, the franchise is likely to appoint an overseas expert as Fleming’s replacement, with several high-profile candidates reportedly in the race for the coveted role. Here is a look at three overseas experts who could succeed Fleming as Chennai Super Kings’ head coach ahead of the upcoming IPL seasons.
Stephen Fleming stepped down from his role as head coach of Chennai Super Kings in the IPL on July 12, 2026. (Picture Credit: AFP)
Fleming served as CSK’s head coach from 2009 to 2026 but has now joined England as the head coach of the men’s Test team. CSK are looking for an overseas expert as his replacement. (Picture Credit: AFP)
England’s white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum is reportedly in line to succeed Fleming as CSK’s head coach for IPL 2027. (Picture Credit: AFP)
McCullum played in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings in 28 matches and scored 841 runs in two seasons (2014-15). (Picture Credit: AFP)
The former New Zealand star has previously served as KKR’s head coach in the IPL before taking up the England Test job in 2022. (Picture Credit: AFP)
Former Australia and CSK batter Michael Hussey is another overseas expert in the race to become CSK’s head coach. (Picture Credit: AFP)
Hussey has been associated with CSK in the IPL as their batting coach since 2018 and is a favourite to replace Fleming. (Picture Credit: AFP)
Former South African all-rounder Albie Morkel is another candidate to replace Fleming as CSK head coach. (Picture Credit: AFP)
Morkel has previously played in the IPL for CSK and was recently announced as the head coach of CSK’s sister franchise, Joburg Super Kings. (Picture Credit: X/@JSKSA20)