Karthik perfect candidate to become CSK coach, says Hayden

Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden feels that the Chennai-based Dinesh Karthik is a “perfect” candidate to take over as Chennai Super Kings head coach.

Karthik, who is serving as the batting coach and mentor of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, has been instrumental in the two-time defending IPL champion’s success. According to Hayden, who played for CSK between 2008 and 2010, the franchise should look within the State to replace Stephen Fleming.

“It’s something that I really hope the franchise gets right. Flemo did a fantastic job with M.S. Dhoni, that was such a strong engine room of CSK,” Hayden told The Hindu.

Hayden, the co-owner and head coach of Glasgow Cosmic in the European T20 Premier League, believes that Karthik is ready to take up the role at CSK.

“There’s been names that have been mentioned. One of them was Karthik. I think that it’s important to have a local coach. I know that a lot of franchises go for international coaches, but I feel the head coach role of a franchise as big as CSK should have that kind of local touch, even Chennai touch, which is why I thought Karthik would be perfect,” the 54-year-old said.

Fleming led Super Kings to five IPL titles and two Champions League crowns. But after three underwhelming campaigns, the Kiwi and the franchise decided to part ways.

“You can certainly have support staff who aren’t local, but what a shift! It was such a beautiful campaign that M.S. and Fleming had: so much success, equal titles with Mumbai [Indians], just such good legacy, but it’s a bold and good move. I’m looking forward to seeing who gets the job.”