‘No better man’: Ashwin backs MS Dhoni to replace Stephen Fleming as CSK head coach | Cricket News

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin bELIEVE Chennai Super Kings the right moment has come to start a new chapter to follow Stephen Flemingcame out, while insisting MS Dhoni is the best choice to take over when he is ready to step into the role. CSK and Fleming agreed to part ways on Tuesday, ending one of the longest and most successful coach-franchise partnerships in IPL history. Fleming, who joined the franchise as a player in 2008 before becoming head coach in 2009, guided the team to five IPL titles, two Champions League Twenty20 crowns, 10 IPL finals and 12 playoff appearances. After a few years under the Fleming-Dhoni leadership of CSK, Ashwin said the partnership was amazing but felt the franchise now needs to look ahead. “Fleming really understood what tickled Dhoniand Dhoni understood that Fleming was a great lieutenant, and that partnership continued for a long time. I would say it was about time Chennai Super Kings looked beyond,” said Ashwin to ESPNcricinfo. Ashwin believes Dhoni’s deep understanding of the franchise makes him a standout candidate to replace Fleming if the former India captain is interested in coaching. “If Dhoni is willing to do that, there is no better man Chennai Super Kings could have followed,” he said. At the same time, Ashwin cautioned that the appointment of an external coach was not directly due to Dhoni’s continued influence within the franchise. “If not, they should find someone who can operate independently and be accountable for his own actions,” Ashwin said. He also pointed out that whoever takes over will have to work in an environment where Dhoni remains a major voice on cricketing matters. “I think there is a bit of uncertainty aspect for anybody going into that dressing room. Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a big name, and he is still part of the discussion when you talk about a squad to pick to play,” Ashwin added. Ashwin’s comments highlight the challenge that lies ahead for CSK as they prepare for life after Fleming. Whether the franchise turns to Dhoni or opts for an independent appointment, the next coaching decision is likely to shape the direction of the team for years to come.