Chennai Super Kings have appointed former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan as their head coach for the 2027 Indian Premier League season, marking a major change in the franchise’s coaching setup after the departure of long-time head coach Stephen Fleming.
Zaheer will take over after Fleming stepped down in July 2026 following CSK’s disappointing eighth-place finish in the league. The franchise won six of its 14 matches and missed the playoffs, continuing a difficult period for one of the IPL’s most successful teams.
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CSK managing director Kasi Viswanathan said Zaheer’s appointment was discussed among the franchise’s leadership group, including MS Dhoni, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson, along with the owners. Zaheer did not go through a formal interview process and agreed to take up the position.
His initial contract is for one year, with the former India pacer expected to begin work soon. The IPL retention window is usually held in November, although a firm date for this year’s process has not yet been announced.
The CSK job will be Zaheer’s first as a head coach. He previously worked with Mumbai Indians between 2018 and 2022, serving first as director of cricket operations and later as global head of development. He was also a mentor with Lucknow Super Giants until September 2025.
Zaheer brings extensive IPL experience as both a player and coach. He played 100 IPL matches and claimed 102 wickets, while also featuring in two finals. He was part of the Mumbai Indians setup during their title-winning campaigns in 2019 and 2020, working alongside head coach Mahela Jayawardene.
CSK’s management also expects Zaheer’s expertise as a former international fast bowler to help strengthen the team’s bowling group. Viswanathan said Zaheer would have the authority to select his own coaching staff, although CSK have not yet announced what changes will be made to the existing support staff.
Fleming had been associated with CSK since 2008, initially as a player before taking over as head coach. During his 16-year coaching tenure, he helped the franchise win five IPL titles. His departure follows a broader shift in CSK’s approach after the team struggled to maintain its earlier success.
The franchise has increasingly focused on younger players and emerging talent after years of relying heavily on experienced campaigners. Players such as Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis and Kartik Sharma were brought into the setup, but results remained inconsistent.
Zaheer’s appointment also comes as CSK’s owners continue to operate teams in other T20 leagues. However, Viswanathan confirmed that Zaheer’s responsibilities will be limited to the IPL side. Albie Morkel has already been appointed coach of Joburg Super Kings in the SA20, while the Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket are yet to announce their next coach.
For Zaheer, the move represents his first opportunity to lead an IPL franchise from the head coach’s position. The former India pacer, who was part of India’s 2011 ODI World Cup-winning side, will now be tasked with helping CSK rebuild and return to the playoffs.
