Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are looking for a new head coach after Stephen Fleming ended his long association with the franchise following IPL 2026. As CSK’s search for his replacement continues, Sadagoppan Ramesh believes that VVS Laxman is the best man to take over the role.
Fleming and CSK recently ended their successful 18-year partnership after a disappointing IPL 2026 season. Under his coaching, CSK won five IPL titles, including the 2023 trophy. But after that, they failed to qualify for the playoffs for three seasons in a row. Amid this, Ravichandran Ashwin names MS Dhoni as next head coach of CSK.
Sadagoppan Ramesh explains why VVS Laxman is the perfect fit for CSK
The former Indian cricketer Sadagoppan Ramesh feels the legendary batter and current NCA head VVS Laxman would fit perfectly into Chennai Super Kings’ culture. He said that Laxman has a calm nature, understands players well, and can create a family-like atmosphere inside the dressing room.
He also pointed out that Laxman has good coaching experience after serving as India’s interim head coach on several occasions when Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir were unavailable.
During his time with the India national cricket team, Laxman guided India to the 2023 Asian Games gold medal and a 3-1 T20I series win over South Africa in 2024. Amid this, Gautam Gambhir losing respect, faces dressing room concerns from seniors, youngsters.
He will be like a big brother to everyone: Sadagoppan Ramesh on VVS Laxman
Sadagoppan Ramesh said in a video on Instagram, “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 three main reasons for why he’ll work as a CSK coach, the first is that he’s a fantastic person. He will be like a big brother to everyone in the team and take them to the next level.”
The former cricketer further explained, “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. 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. And India has achieved fantastic results each time he has taken over as coach.”
VVS Laxman-Sanju Samson combo could transform CSK: Ramesh
Ramesh has further noted that the Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson could benefit the most if Laxman becomes CSK’s head coach. He highlighted how Samson scored back-to-back centuries during India’s 2024 T20I tour of South Africa under Laxman. He feels “Sanju’s mind was free under Laxman,” and that helped him to perform at his best.
After Fleming’s departure, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad could face the heat after the team’s poor performances in the IPL under his captaincy. Given that Ramesh feels Samson could be the ideal option to replace Gaikwad as the Chennai Super Kings captain.
The Indian wicketkeeper joined CSK after a mega IPL trade with the Rajasthan Royals, and he delivered with the bat. The right-hander was also CSK’s top scorer in IPL 2026, amassing 477 runs in 14 matches at an average of over 43 and a strike rate of 165.62.
Ramesh signed off by saying, “CSK’s trump card in the future is going to be Sanju Samson. If CSK turn to Sanju as their next captain, I believe Sanju and Laxman will have an excellent equation.”
