'I won’t accept him': Srikkanth rejects Eoin Morgan for CSK head coach role, says 'stick to commentary'

Chennai Super Kings are preparing for a major change after Stephen Fleming's 18-year tenure with the franchise comes to an end, and former Indian opener K Srikkanth thinks Michael Hussey would be the best candidate to lead the team forward. Fleming, who coached CSK for 17 years and guided them to five IPL titles, left the franchise recently as England’s Test head coach.

CSK, who missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, is now in search of a new head coach. Former India player Ravichandran Ashwin had suggested Eoin Morgan as a potential candidate, but Srikkanth has rejected that idea, stating that Morgan was a good player and captain for England, but not suitable for coaching. He also advised against appointing Brendon McCullum, who recently coached Kolkata Knight Riders and led them to the IPL final in 2021.

Srikkanth believes that the team should stick to its existing players and that Michael Hussey, a former CSK opener who has previously worked with the franchise as a batting coach, should be the automatic choice for the head coach position. Srikkanth emphasized that CSK does not need anyone from outside the ecosystem and that Hussey would be the best option.

The coaching vacancy is just one part of a bigger transition for CSK, as the franchise's most successful era was built around Fleming and MS Dhoni's partnership. The future of Dhoni, who is set to take over as captain after Gaikwad, remains uncertain, and Srikkanth believes that deciding Dhoni's role in the team is crucial before finalizing the coaching structure.