51-year-old India legend to replace Stephen Fleming at CSK? 'He is the best candidate'

Former India opener Sadagoppan Ramesh has said that while options are aplenty to replace Stephen Fleming as Chennai Super Kings’ head coach, VVS Laxman would be the best candidate for the same, adding that the latter can be a big brother to everyone in the team.

Under Fleming, CSK lifted all five of their IPL titles, most recently in 2023. But the five-time champions have failed to qualify for the playoffs in each of the three seasons since that win, prompting a long-awaited change in the coaching setup.

Fleming first joined the team as a player in the IPL’s inaugural season in 2008 before becoming its head coach in 2009.

“Many names are being mentioned as Fleming’s replacement. While options are aplenty, VVS Laxman is the best candidate to take over as CSK’s head coach. Among the three main reasons why he will work as CSK coach, the first is that he is a fantastic person,” Ramesh said in an Instagram video.

“He will be like a big brother to everyone in the team and take them to the next level. The CSK management has always looked at the team like a family. Such a wonderful culture will only get enhanced if Laxman becomes the head coach,” Ramesh said.

“He also has coaching experience at the highest level, having worked as India’s interim head coach several times when Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir were unavailable,” Ramesh added.

After becoming the head coach in 2009, Fleming guided the team to five titles and forged an iconic partnership with the then captain, MS Dhoni.

Team owner Rupa Gurunath hailed Fleming as the driving force behind CSK’s coaching setup, showering the former New Zealand skipper with praise for his immense contribution to the team’s success.