India, Aug. 10 -- Chennai Super Kings have played down speculation linking them with a move for Hardik Pandya, insisting that decisions over potential trades will only be taken once the franchise appoints a new head coach ahead of the next IPL season.

CSK are searching for a successor to Stephen Fleming after the New Zealander brought an end to his extraordinary stint with the franchise. While Pandya's uncertain future at Mumbai Indians has inevitably attracted attention, Chennai have not yet seriously explored a deal for the India all-rounder.

According to Cricbuzz, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said the franchise has deliberately held off discussing potential recruits until its new coach is in place. "We have not started applying our minds...