Matthew Hayden backs Dinesh Karthik for CSK head coach role after Stephen Fleming's exit

Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden has publicly backed Dinesh Karthik to become the next head coach of Chennai Super Kings, following Stephen Fleming's departure from the franchise. Fleming left CSK, after which he took over the England Test head coach role, bringing an end to an 18-year association with the franchise. His England contract runs through September 2030.

Fleming guided CSK to five IPL titles across 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023, and also led the franchise to two Champions League T20 crowns during his long tenure. His exit has left CSK searching for a successor, with the franchise reportedly preferring an overseas coach as his replacement. Albie Morkel and Mike Hussey are among the leading candidates being considered for the position.

"It’s something that I really hope that the franchise gets right. Flemo [Fleming] did a fantastic job with MS Dhoni; that was really such a strong engine room of CSK," Hayden told Sportstar.

Why does Hayden think Karthik is ready for the role?

Hayden made a case for Karthik on the grounds of local knowledge and the cultural connection that Chennai brings to the franchise. He acknowledged that many IPL franchises lean towards international coaches but argued that a team of CSK's stature would benefit from a head coach with a local touch.

"There are names that have been mentioned; one of them was Dinesh Karthik, who I think is probably ready to take on that kind of role. 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. You can certainly have support staff that aren’t local, but what a shift, such a beautiful campaign that MS [Dhoni] and Flemm [Felming] had. So much success, equal title holds with Mumbai [Indians], just such a good legacy, but it’s a bold and good move, and I’m looking forward to seeing who gets the job," Hayden said.

What is Karthik's current role and has he expressed interest?

Karthik is presently part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's coaching setup, where he serves as the batting coach and mentor. He has been involved with RCB during a highly successful period for the franchise, with the side claiming back-to-back IPL titles in 2025 and 2026 while Karthik was in that position.

Karthik has made no public statement expressing interest in the CSK head coach position. CSK have not confirmed any appointment, and the timeline for their final decision on Fleming's replacement has not been disclosed publicly. Whether Hayden's endorsement carries weight in CSK's internal deliberations also remains unknown.