Fleming’s 18-year association with CSK came to an end following a highly successful tenure. Under the former New Zealand captain, the franchise won five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 trophies, establishing themselves as one of the most successful teams in T20 cricket.
However, Ashwin feels the time was right for CSK to look beyond Fleming and begin planning for the future. The former spinner also suggested that MS Dhoni could be the ideal candidate to replace Fleming if the legendary former captain is willing to take up the coaching role.
“Fleming really understood what ticked MS Dhoni and Dhoni understood that Fleming was a great lieutenant. That partnership carried on for such a long time. I would say it was about time Chennai Super Kings looked beyond,” Ashwin said on Cricinfo.
“If Dhoni is willing to do that, there is no better person that Chennai Super Kings can go after. If not, they need to find someone who can operate independently and take accountability for his or her own actions,” he added.
Ashwin also highlighted the challenges awaiting Fleming’s successor. According to him, the new coach will have to deal not only with the enormous legacy left by Fleming but also with the immense respect Dhoni commands within the CSK dressing room.
“Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a huge name and he’s still very much part of the discussion when you’re talking about a squad that will be picked to play. There is also going to be somebody sitting there as an elder brother or mentor for that squad, which has been used to him for all these years,” Ashwin explained.
He added that seamlessly taking over the reins from Fleming could prove extremely difficult, as the new coach will need to understand the impact the former New Zealand captain had on the franchise.
Dhoni remains part of the CSK squad but did not feature in the 2026 season due to a calf injury. With the former India wicketkeeper turning 45 earlier this month, questions continue to surround his playing future, and a move into coaching could be a possibility.
CSK’s recent decline has also added to the pressure for change. After winning their fifth IPL title in 2023, the franchise have failed to qualify for the playoffs in each of the following three seasons. They finished eighth in the 2026 standings after ending the 2025 season at the bottom of the table.
