Mike Hussey Emerges as Frontrunner for CSK Head Coach Role: ‘Automatic Choice’

Mike Hussey is the frontrunner for the Chennai Super Kings head coach role ahead of IPL 2027, according to Rohit Juglan of RevSportz. Sportskeeda reported the development on September 20, identifying the Australian as the leading candidate in CSK’s search for Stephen Fleming’s replacement.

Hussey has been CSK’s batting coach since 2018. Before that, he played for the franchise from 2008 to 2013 and returned in 2015. His association with the Super Kings spans close to two decades as player and coach combined.

What strengthens his candidacy now is availability. Earlier this month, Hussey turned down a full-time Test batting coach role under Fleming at the ECB. He accepted a part-time Cricket Australia consultancy instead, a move that keeps his IPL schedule clear. That decision looked like a signal. This report confirms it was.

🚨 REPORTS 🚨

The Australian candidate is the frontrunner in the race for the CSK head coach role! 👀💛🤔

(Source: Rohit Juglan)#CSK #IPL2027 #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/LKEE0Zuwjt

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) September 19, 2026

The report comes after months of names being linked to the role without a resolution. Eoin Morgan was a prominent candidate until Rohit Juglan reported that Morgan demanded ₹18-20 crore annually, a figure CSK was not willing to meet. Brendon McCullum was mentioned but no preliminary discussions took place. Mike Hesson accepted the Pakistan Test coaching job. Jonathan Trott was briefly linked and dropped out of the conversation.

Hemang Badani emerged as an alternative after reports from Indian Express suggested Dhoni preferred an Indian coaching setup. But CSK’s management reportedly continued to lean toward an overseas appointment, which brings the search back to Hussey.

Former India captain Kris Srikkanth had already made the case for Hussey weeks earlier.

“CSK don’t need anyone from outside when they have Mr. Cricket with him. Michael Hussey should be the automatic head coach.”

Kris Srikkanth, NDTV Sports, August 2026

Srikkanth rejected both Morgan and McCullum as options, insisting Hussey was the strongest choice available. Aakash Chopra backed that view, calling Hussey “extremely diligent” and noting that “he is already attached to this team.”

Beyond CSK, Hussey’s coaching record has grown steadily. He heads Welsh Fire in The Hundred and served as a consultant during England’s 2022 T20 World Cup campaign. At 51, he has moved from a playing career that earned him the nickname Mr. Cricket to a coaching profile that stretches across three formats and multiple leagues.

🚨 MICHAEL HUSSEY – NEXT HEAD COACH OF CSK 🚨 (Rohit Juglan)

– Mr. Cricket Michael Hussey is currently leading the race to become Chennai Super King’s next New Head Coach.

– Eoin Morgan is also in this picture, with discussions between Morgan and the CSK management reportedly… pic.twitter.com/1t3QUHtBrP

— MANU (@IMManu_14) September 19, 2026

The final decision rests with a three-person Cricket Management Committee: Dhoni, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, and director Rupa Gurunath. CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed that “many well-known coaches have shown interest and approached the management” and that CSK would “make a final decision very soon.” A Times of India report earlier indicated the announcement was expected by September 20.

Insider Read

Eight years as CSK’s batting coach is not just a line on a resume. It means Hussey has sat in team meetings with Dhoni, planned game strategies alongside Fleming, watched Ruturaj Gaikwad develop from a young squad player into the franchise captain, and understood how CSK operate from auction table to match day. An outside appointment spends the first season learning those systems. Hussey already runs inside them. That is the difference between hiring a coach and promoting one.

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