Ms Dhoni’s input is in consideration for the Indian Cricket Team’s next head coach.

Summary: Ms. Dhoni is likely to play a middleman to replace Rahul Dravid as the Indian Cricket Team’s next head coach.

MS Dhoni's influence could be vital in selecting Team India's next head coach. With the IPL season over for Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings being eliminated from the tournament after losing their final league match to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the BCCI is considering taking the legendary cricketer's assistance in breaking a truce between the board and CSK head coach Stephen Fleming.

Stephen Fleming, a renowned player who also led New Zealand in 303 matches and is the longest-serving coach in the IPL, was the board's first option to replace Rahul Dravid as India's head coach following the T20 World Cup. However, the former New Zealand opener has shown reluctance to commit until 2027.

The former New Zealand captain, who has led CSK since 2009, is pleased with his brief tenure at several clubs owned by the franchise in various T20 competitions around the world. Fleming is also the head coach of the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, and he is also in charge of the Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket (USA) and the Johannesburg Super Kings in SA20 (South Africa). He also serves as the head coach for the Southern Brave in The Hundred.

Many cricket sources say that Fleming made this known in his early meetings with the BCCI regarding the IPL. The BCCI then began to explore alternative applicants and approached Justin Langer, Gautam Gambhir, and Mahela Jayawardene.

While the conversation with them continues, the board is not ready to give up on Fleming yet. Dhoni is likely to be their final gamble. A BCCI source said, “Fleming hasn't refused. He expressed his concerns about the contract's term, which is not unusual. Even Rahul Dravid was reluctant at first. He was convinced. It would not be surprising if the same thing happened with Fleming. And who better to do the job than MS Dhoni?"