Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) dashing opening batter Matthew Hayden has reckoned that there is one perfect candidate who fits the franchise’s head coach role. Notably, Stephen Fleming stepped down from the role after being part of the side for 18 years.
Speaking to Sportstar, Hayden asserted that Tamil Nadu batter Dinesh Karthik could be a perfect choice to emerge as the CSK new head coach. However, Karthik serves as the batting coach and mentor for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team.
“There are names that have been mentioned; one of them was Dinesh Kartik, who I think is probably ready to take on that kind of role. I think it’s important to have a local coach,” Hayden told Sportstar.
It’s worth noting that Fleming achieved legendary success as the head coach of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by winning five Indian Premier League (IPL) titles and two Champions League T20 titles over an 18-year tenure.
“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,” he added.
It’s important to note that Karthik never represented CSK in his IPL career. After retiring from all forms of the game, the former keeper-batter is part of the commentary panel and has also been working with RCB as the batting coach and mentor.
“You can certainly have support staff that aren’t local, but what a shift… [It was] such a beautiful campaign that MS and Flemm 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,” he said.
