Ex-Australia star picks 'perfect' coach for Chennai Super Kings

Chennai Super Kings are on the hunt for a new head coach after Stephen Fleming stepped down last month. Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden believes the five-time IPL champion should consider a local candidate. Hayden has endorsed former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik for the position, citing his familiarity with the franchise and recent coaching triumphs.

Currently, Karthik serves as the batting coach and mentor for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who have claimed two consecutive IPL titles with his support team. Hayden, a former CSK player from 2008-2011, urges the franchise to opt for a local coach instead of an international one. "I really hope that the franchise gets this right," Hayden stated to Sportstar.

While international coaches are common, Hayden emphasized the significance of a local head coach, explaining, "I think it's important to have a local coach. I know that a lot of franchises do go for international coaches, but I feel like the head coach role of a franchise as big as CSK should have that kind of local touch, even Chennai touch, which is why I thought Dinesh would be perfect."

Fleming led CSK for nearly 16 years, securing five IPL titles and two Champions League crowns. However, amid a few underwhelming seasons, Fleming decided to part ways. Hayden praised the partnership between Fleming and MS Dhoni, describing it as a beautiful campaign with immense success and equal title shares with Mumbai Indians, solidifying a remarkable legacy.