Former Indian Test opener Sadagopan Ramesh has backed VVS Laxman to be Chennai Super Kings’ new head coach for IPL 2027 after the franchise parted ways with Stephen Fleming. The former New Zealand skipper and CSK ended their 18-year association, with Fleming leading the franchise to five IPL titles, the joint-most in the tournament along with Mumbai Indians.
Meanwhile, VVS Laxman is currently the Director at Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru. Laxman also performed the role of the interim head coach when former coach Rahul Dravid needed a rest. The former flamboyant batter will take the command of the team for the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe as Gautam Gambhir has been rested.
Sadagopan Ramesh said on his YouTube Channel, “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 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 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 have achieved fantastic results each time he has taken over as coach.”
Ramesh recalled that the 2024 T20I series against South Africa when Sanju Samson delivered consistently. The former left-hander said Samson had thrived under the tutelage of VVS Laxman.
“CSK’s trump card in the future is going to be Sanju Samson. The 2024 T20I series in South Africa was Laxman’s last assignment as India’s coach. Samson scored back-to-back centuries in that series. It was clear that Sanju’s mind was free under Laxman, resulting in his brilliant showing in that series. If CSK turn to Sanju as their next captain, I believe Sanju and Laxman will have an excellent equation,” said Ramesh (via the aforementioned source).
CSK could not qualify for the playoffs in IPL 2026 and would look to bounce back strongly in the next season.
