Hemang Badani to Be CSK's Next Head Coach for IPL 2027? Here's the Latest Report
Former India batter Hemang Badani has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Stephen Fleming as Chennai Super Kings' next head coach. Here's why the five-time IPL champions could turn to the Delhi Capitals coach to begin a new era.
July 13, 2026: Chennai Super Kings are preparing to enter a new era after bringing an end to Stephen Fleming's remarkable 17-year stint as head coach. The former New Zealand captain played a key role in building CSK into one of the most successful franchises in Indian Premier League history, guiding the team to five IPL titles and several memorable campaigns. With his departure now confirmed, the focus has shifted to who could take over one of the biggest coaching roles in franchise cricket.
According to a report by the Times of India, Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani has emerged as one of the leading contenders to replace Fleming. The former India batter has steadily built his reputation as a coach over the past few years through his work in domestic and franchise cricket. His ability to identify and develop young Indian talent has impressed many, making him a strong candidate for a franchise that is expected to begin a rebuilding phase.
Badani has been part of the Delhi Capitals coaching setup for the last two IPL seasons. During his tenure, Delhi finished fifth in IPL 2025 before ending the 2026 season in sixth place. Although the franchise narrowly missed out on the playoffs in his first season and could not qualify the following year, Badani gained valuable experience working with a young squad in one of the world's toughest T20 leagues.
The report further states that Delhi Capitals' senior management is currently in Dallas, where discussions are taking place to review the team's performances over the past two seasons and decide the franchise's future plans. With changes expected within the coaching setup, Badani's future at Delhi Capitals remains uncertain, further strengthening speculation over a possible move to Chennai Super Kings. While there has been no official confirmation from either franchise, his name has emerged as one of the strongest contenders for the role.
🚨 HEMANG BADANI × CSK ⏳
- Hemang Badani emerging as a contender to join the coaching setup of CSK ahead of IPL 2027. [Sahil Malhotra from TOI] pic.twitter.com/C0Ebc39Lpa
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 13, 2026
Replacing Stephen Fleming Will Be CSK's Biggest Challenge
Whoever replaces Stephen Fleming will have the difficult task of following one of the greatest coaches in IPL history. Fleming joined Chennai Super Kings as a player during the inaugural IPL season in 2008 before becoming the team's head coach in 2009. Over the next 17 years, he helped build a culture of consistency, trust and success alongside MS Dhoni, making CSK one of the most respected franchises in world cricket.
However, the team's performances have declined over the past three seasons. Chennai Super Kings narrowly missed the playoffs in 2024 before finishing at the bottom of the points table in IPL 2025. The franchise endured another disappointing campaign in 2026, finishing eighth and missing the playoffs for a third consecutive season. Those results ultimately led the management to begin a new chapter by parting ways with Fleming.
With a fresh coaching appointment expected in the coming weeks, CSK will be hoping to start a successful new era. Whether the franchise decides to appoint Hemang Badani or another experienced candidate, the new head coach will have the responsibility of rebuilding the squad, developing the next generation of players and bringing Chennai Super Kings back into IPL title contention.
