Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin I believe Chennai Super Kings they have reached the right time to start a new chapter next Stephen Flemingcome out, insisting MS Dhoni would be the best choice to take charge if he is willing to step into the role. CSK and Fleming mutually agreed to part ways on Tuesday, ending one of the longest and most successful coach-franchise partnerships in IPL history. Fleming, who joined the franchise as a player in 2008 before becoming coach in 2009, has led the team to five IPL titles, two Champions League Twenty20 crowns, 10 IPL finals and 12 playoff appearances. Having spent several years under the leadership of Fleming-Dhoni in CSK, Ashwin said the partnership had been exceptional but felt the franchise now needed to look ahead. “Fleming really understood what made him tick Dhoniand Dhoni understood that Fleming was a great lieutenant, and that the partnership carried on for so long. I would say it was time for the Chennai Super Kings to look beyond,” Ashwin said on ESPNcricinfo. Ashwin believes Dhoni’s deep knowledge of the franchise makes him the standout candidate to replace Fleming if the former India captain is interested in coaching. “If Dhoni is willing to do this, there is no better person than Chennai Super Kings can go after,” he said. At the same time, Ashwin warned that appointing an outside coach would not be straightforward due to Dhoni’s continued influence in the franchise. “If not, they need to find someone who can operate independently and take responsibility for their actions,” Ashwin said. He also said that whoever takes over will have to work in an environment where Dhoni remains a major voice in matters of cricket. “I think there’s a little bit of uncertainty about who’s going to go into that dressing room. Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a huge name, and he’s always very much part of the discussion when you talk about which team he’s going to play,” Ashwin added. Ashwin’s comments highlight the challenge that awaits CSK as they prepare for life after Fleming. Whether the franchise turns to Dhoni or opts for an independent appointment, the next coaching decision is likely to shape the direction of the team in the coming years.