IPL 2027: Former RCB player appointed as new coach of Chennai Super Kings

Chennai: Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the most successful franchises in the IPL, has appointed a new head coach.

Former senior India pacer Zaheer Khan has been appointed to the position vacated by Stephen Fleming. The franchise officially announced the appointment on Monday (September 21).

Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming had served as the coach of the Chennai team for the past 18 years. During his tenure, Chennai won the championship five times. Stephen Fleming was behind several of the successful and key changes made to the Chennai team.

The new appointment comes after Fleming recently took charge as the head coach of the England men's Test team.

Zaheer to lead Chennai from now on

After bidding farewell to the IPL in 2017, Zaheer Khan has taken on several important responsibilities. As a player, he represented RCB, MI (Mumbai) and DC (Delhi), and in the 2019 IPL season, he served as the Director of Cricket Operations for Mumbai Indians.

He later served as the Head of Global Development at the Mumbai franchise. More recently, during the 2025 IPL season, he took on the responsibility of mentor for Lucknow Super Giants.

“It is a privilege to join the CSK family, one of the most successful teams in IPL history. As a player, I enjoyed the thrilling moments of playing against CSK on the field. The atmosphere created by the ‘Superfans’ at Chepauk Stadium is incredible. I am excited to be part of a team with such a great legacy,” Zaheer Khan said.

Team owner Rupa Gurunath welcomed Zaheer and expressed confidence that “Zaheer Khan’s extensive experience and ability to nurture young players will bring great strength to our team.”

CSK Managing Director K.S. Viswanathan said, “Zaheer is one of the world’s greatest pacers. He is exceptional at mentoring young cricketers, especially fast bowlers. His sharp cricketing intelligence will provide a new direction for our franchise.”

Zaheer has played 100 matches in his IPL career and has taken 102 wickets at an average of 27.27. He also has the distinction of taking a total of 610 wickets across all formats of Indian cricket.