R Ashwin names ODI World Cup-winning captain as surprise choice for next CSK head coach originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:- R Ashwin has named Eoin Morgan as a surprise contender for the CSK head coach role.
- Morgan captained England to their maiden ODI World Cup title in 2019.
- CSK are searching for a successor to Stephen Fleming ahead of IPL 2027.
Chennai Super Kings' search for a new head coach has thrown up its most unexpected name yet, with R Ashwin suggesting England's 2019 ODI World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan could be in the frame. The former India spinner floated the idea while discussing the franchise's coaching vacancy.
CSK are on the hunt for a successor to Stephen Fleming, who ended his 19-year-long and hugely successful association with the franchise to take up the England Test head coach role. Reports have indicated the five-time champions are likely to appoint an overseas expert for the job.
Ashwin, a former CSK player himself, has been vocal on the subject in recent months, having previously backed MS Dhoni as the ideal candidate. His latest suggestion, however, points towards a name few would have anticipated.
MORE: Dhoni held talks with McCullum over vacant CSK coach's job in England
Ashwin suggests Morgan for CSK head coach but with MS Dhoni's support in IPL 2027Speaking on his YouTube channel [10:07], Ashwin offered his prediction on who could take charge at Chepauk. He named the former England limited-overs skipper as a strong possibility for the role.
"I have a strong hunch. Eoin Morgan's name is strongly linked [to CSK head coach role, per his sources]. I think a decision will be made in the next week," Ashwin said. The suggestion is striking, given that Morgan has no prior experience as a head coach at the franchise or international level.
Since retiring in 2022, the Irishman has carved out a career primarily in broadcasting and punditry, becoming a prominent voice in cricket commentary.
Morgan's credentials as a leader, however, are beyond question. He masterminded England's white-ball transformation, guiding them to their first-ever ODI World Cup title on home soil in 2019, and remains one of the most tactically astute captains of the modern era.
However, Ashwin also added, "Personally, I feel this will go to MS Dhoni and be run by the others. I think that will be the right decision because appointing a replacement [for Fleming] is a touch late with the mega auction just a year away."
MORE: CSK to appoint overseas coach: 3 candidates who can replace Fleming
Why Morgan will be a bold move for Chennai Super KingsThere is an obvious logic to the appeal, even if the appointment would carry risk. Morgan's revolutionary approach to white-ball cricket reshaped how England played the limited-overs game, and that innovative mindset is exactly what an ageing, transitioning CSK side arguably needs after three seasons without a playoff spot.
The concern would be his lack of coaching experience, particularly in the unique, high-pressure environment of the IPL. Stepping into a dressing room where Dhoni's influence looms large is a daunting task for any newcomer, let alone one making the jump from the commentary box to the dugout.
Ashwin's prediction may prove wide of the mark, but it underlines that CSK's coaching search could yet produce a genuinely surprising outcome.
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