‘If Dhoni is willing to do that, then there is...’: Ashwin backs MSD as CSK's potential coach

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes Chennai Super Kings (CSK) should start preparing for life after Stephen Fleming's successful spell as head coach, suggesting the franchise needs a fresh approach following the end of an era.

CSK and Fleming mutually agreed to part ways on Tuesday, concluding a remarkable partnership that lasted nearly two decades and delivered sustained success in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Reflecting on the change, Ashwin said MS Dhoni would be the ideal candidate to replace Fleming if the former India captain is interested in taking up the coaching role. However, he also stressed that if Dhoni does not step in, CSK must appoint someone capable of working independently and taking full responsibility for the team's direction.

"Fleming really understood what ticked [MS] Dhoni, and Dhoni understood that Fleming was a great lieutenant, and that partnership carried on for such a long time. I would say it was about time Chennai Super Kings looked beyond," Ashwin said as per ESPNcricinfo.

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"If Dhoni is willing to do that [take over as coach], there is no better person that Chennai Super Kings can go after. If not, they need to find someone who will be able to operate independently and take accountability for his or her own actions."

Ashwin also acknowledged that any incoming coach would have to navigate the influence Dhoni continues to wield within the franchise, particularly in matters related to team selection and planning.

"I think there is a small aspect of uncertainty for anybody who will walk into that dressing room. Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a huge name, and he's still very much a part of the discussion when you're talking about a squad that will be picked to play," Ashwin added.

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Fleming first represented CSK as a player during the inaugural IPL season in 2008 before taking over as head coach the following year. During his tenure, the franchise established itself as one of the league's most successful teams, winning five IPL titles and two Champions League Twenty20 crowns. CSK also reached the IPL playoffs a record 12 times and appeared in 10 finals under the New Zealander's leadership.