MS Dhoni may coach CSK: Former India coach slams Hemang Badani rumours

Former India selector Kris Srikkanth slammed rumors linking Hemang Badani with the Chennai Super Kings head coach post. Srikkanth said that MS Dhoni alone is enough and can work as the head coach of CSK in the upcoming season.

Following the exit of Stephen Fleming from his role at CSK, various names have been linked with the five-time IPL champions’ hot seat, with Badani’s name in the mix. The former Indian cricketer was the head coach at Delhi Capitals for the last two seasons but failed to take them to the playoffs.

With DC leadership now changing for the next two years and JSW returning to the helm, changes are expected. The first is the appointment of Sourav Ganguly as the head coach, with Yuvraj Singh as his assistant.

When Srikkanth heard Badani’s name, he quickly dismissed the former cricketer from the role saying that he was not authorized to take on the role.

“There is no way Hemang Badani should be the head coach of CSK. He has done nothing in DC. I don’t know why CSK should go all out for him. He is nothing special as a coach. When you have Dhoni, why do you need anyone else as a coach? Dhoni alone is enough as a head coach,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

The former India coach has recommended the name of former KKR coach Chandrakant Pandit as a good option if Dhoni wants an Indian coach at the helm.

“If Dhoni prefers an Indian coach, then I would go for Chandrakant Pandit. He is a good guy and has won trophies. But CSK should go for the Indian option. Either the coach had to be a great international player or achieve great success as a coach at the domestic or IPL level,” Srikkanth said.

‘GIVE CSK TIME’

Srikkanth said there is no need for Chennai to rush to choose who should be the next coach.

“It’s okay that CSK are taking their time. There is no need to take a hasty decision. The auction is only in December, so there is plenty of time. So they should not rush it at all and should think calmly to make the right decision,” Srikkanth said.

The next auction will be held in December this year, giving CSK plenty of time to make a call.

– The end

Published on:

14 Sep 2026 19:25 IST