Zaheer Khan Appointed Head Coach of Chennai Super Kings with MS Dhonis Involvement

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Daily Kiran
Mon Sep 21 22:28:59 IST 2026
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New Delhi, September 21 (Daily Kiran) : Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the five-time IPL champions, have appointed former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan as their head coach for the upcoming IPL 2027 season. Kashi Vishwanathan, the team’s managing director, revealed that MS Dhoni was actively involved in this decision. Zaheer, 47, replaces Stephen Fleming, who stepped down after an 18-year tenure with the team.
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Alongside Dhoni, CSK's cricket management team, which includes Rupa Gurunath and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, played a significant role in the selection process. While CSK's official statement confirmed Zaheer's appointment, it did not specify the duration of his contract, suggesting an initial one-year term. Vishwanathan stated, “The cricket management made this decision based on Zaheer’s extensive experience. He has played over 100 matches in the IPL and has been an all-rounder.
They felt he would be a great fit for the team, and we agreed. MS Dhoni was certainly involved in this decision; we don’t make any moves without his input.” Dhoni did not participate in IPL 2026 due to fitness issues. When asked about Dhoni’s future as a player, Vishwanathan remarked, “He is still a player for us. That’s all I can say.” Zaheer will have the freedom to choose his backroom staff. Currently, CSK's support staff includes Mike Hussey, Sridharan Sriram, Rajiv Kumar, Eric Simons, and James Foster.
Having played 100 matches in the IPL, Zaheer was previously a trainee at the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai. He served as the Director of Cricket Operations and Head of Global Development for the Mumbai Indians from 2018 to 2022. He will also take on a mentoring role with Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025. This marks his first position as a head coach for any cricket team. Zaheer is also a co-owner of teams in various leagues, including the Antwerp Anchors in the European T20 Premier League, Jaffna Kings in the Lanka Premier League, and Vancouver Anchors in the Super60 League in Canada.
When asked about the discussions leading up to Zaheer joining the “Yellow Brigade,” Vishwanathan said, “It’s a process that everyone goes through. These are not details that need to be disclosed.” Following Fleming's departure to become the head coach of the England men's Test team, there were extensive discussions with multiple candidates. Zaheer’s familiarity with Indian conditions and his past experience playing alongside Dhoni for the national team contributed to his selection as head coach.
Zaheer's immediate priority will be to strategize for the upcoming mini-auction in December and identify players the team wishes to retain. All eyes will be on CSK this season, as they aim to bounce back after missing the playoffs for three consecutive seasons.
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