Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are still looking for Stephen Fleming’s replacement after ending their long association with the head coach following a poor IPL 2026 season. Former England captain Eoin Morgan’s name has been strongly linked to CSK, but S Badrinath feels the franchise should think twice before making such a huge investment.
Morgan is reportedly asking for around ₹18-20 crore for the coaching role, and Chennai Super Kings are allegedly ready to pay that amount to bring him on the board. However, S Badrinath believes that amount is too high, especially because Morgan does not have top-level coaching experience. Earlier, Cheteshwar Pujara reveals how Australian players mocked his IPL chances.
Eoin Morgan demands ₹18-20 crore, S Badrinath tells CSK to think again
There have been reports that Eoin Morgan is demanding a huge salary of ₹18-20 crore to become Chennai Super Kings’ head coach. But the former CSK batter S. Badrinath feels the five-time IPL champions should not agree to such a huge deal.
The amount would be around double what some of the highest-paid IPL coaches, including Ricky Ponting and Ashish Nehra, are earning. Both Ponting and Nehra have already proved themselves as coaches, so Morgan’s alleged demand is harder to justify.
S Badrinath said in a video posted on his YouTube channel, “It’s been reported that he is asking for 18 to 20 crores. That’s double of what the current highest-paid coaches, Ponting and Nehra, are earning. And those two have actually shown results. But if it is true that Morgan is demanding this amount of money, it’s not worth it from a CSK perspective.”
“IPL is not a coach-based tournament”: S Badrinath on IPL’s coaching system
S Badrinath also feels the IPL is not mainly controlled by the coach, saying the captain has a bigger role in changing the fortunes of a team, so Morgan’s demand sounds unfair.
The former CSK star added, “The IPL is not a coach-based tournament. It’s more a captain-based one. A coach can’t turn a normal team into a great team. But a captain can do that in the IPL.”
Michael Hussey turns down England offer
Meanwhile, Badrinath also believes Michael Hussey may prefer to continue with Chennai Super Kings rather than take up a role with England. Hussey has been CSK’s batting coach since 2018 and has been an important part of the franchise’s success.
Recently, England’s newly appointed Test head coach, Fleming, who has worked with Hussey at CSK since 2018, has expressed his desire to have the Australian great at his side.
But Hussey turned down the England Test batting coach offer, and Badrinath feels his long connection with CSK could be one of the reasons behind that decision. Amid this, EX-India cricketer backs Sanju Samson, wants India to drop Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for Afghanistan series.
Why could Michael Hussey prefer CSK role?
Hussey also has a big family, and the IPL job requires less time during the year compared to a full-time international coaching role. Still, it is not confirmed whether CSK will retain him. Notably, Hussey played for the franchise in two stints, from 2008 to 2013 and again in 2015.
S Badrinath further noted, “The fact that Hussey turned down the offer from the ECB makes me believe that he likes the CSK job in the IPL. He has a great connection with CSK and experienced tremendous success with the franchise.”
“He has a big family, so he might prefer the CSK role, as the time required in a year will be less than with England. But it’s unknown whether CSK will retain him, though I feel he prefers to be here.”
