Chennai Super Kings have entered a new phase ahead of IPL 2027 after appointing former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan as their new head coach. The appointment marks the end of Stephen Fleming’s long association with the franchise and the beginning of a fresh coaching setup at the five-time IPL champions.
Fleming had been associated with CSK since the inaugural IPL season in 2008 and became the team’s head coach in 2009. Under his leadership, Chennai enjoyed sustained success, including multiple IPL titles. However, the franchise missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, including the 2026 campaign, prompting a major change in the coaching structure.
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Zaheer Khan is currently the only major appointment officially confirmed by CSK for the 2027 season. The former India pacer brings considerable international and IPL experience to the role.
Zaheer represented India in 92 Tests, 200 ODIs and 17 T20Is. He was also India’s leading wicket-taker at the 2011 ODI World Cup, claiming 21 wickets during the tournament. After retiring from international cricket, Zaheer moved into coaching and management roles in the IPL.
He previously worked with Mumbai Indians in management and player-development positions before joining Lucknow Super Giants as a mentor. His experience across different aspects of franchise cricket will now be part of CSK’s new setup.
While Zaheer’s appointment has been confirmed, the franchise has not yet announced the complete coaching team that will work alongside him in IPL 2027.
Michael Hussey remains a key name in the discussion. The former Australia batter has served as CSK’s batting coach for several seasons. However, his continuation under Zaheer has not been officially confirmed.
Hussey recently turned down an opportunity to become England’s Test batting coach and instead opted for a consultancy role with Cricket Australia, according to reports cited by Hindustan Times. His future with CSK therefore remains subject to confirmation from the franchise.
Eric Simons, Sridharan Sriram, James Foster and Rajiv Kumar were also part of CSK’s previous coaching structure. However, their roles for the 2027 season have yet to be officially confirmed.
CSK coaching staff for IPL 2027
| Role | Name | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Head Coach | Zaheer Khan | Confirmed |
| Batting Coach | Michael Hussey | Yet to be confirmed |
| Bowling Coach | Eric Simons | Yet to be confirmed |
| Assistant Bowling Coach | Sridharan Sriram | Yet to be confirmed |
| Fielding Coach | James Foster | Yet to be confirmed |
| Assistant Coach | Rajiv Kumar | Yet to be confirmed |
The coaching transition comes at an important stage for CSK, who will look to rebuild after three successive seasons without a playoff appearance. Zaheer will now be tasked with overseeing the team’s cricketing structure as Chennai prepare for the next IPL campaign.
The franchise’s remaining coaching appointments are expected to provide greater clarity on how the new regime will operate. Until CSK officially announces the rest of the staff, Zaheer remains the only confirmed member of the franchise’s IPL 2027 coaching setup.
