Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have appointed former India pacer Zaheer Khan as their new head coach for the 2027 Indian Premier League season, bringing an end to Stephen Fleming’s long association with the franchise.
Zaheer takes over from Fleming
The five-time IPL champions confirmed the appointment on Monday, announcing Zaheer as Fleming’s successor. Fleming had been associated with CSK since the inaugural IPL season in 2008 and served as head coach from 2009, before stepping down earlier this year.
Zaheer brings considerable experience as both a player and cricket administrator. He played 100 IPL matches and took 102 wickets. For India, he represented the country in 92 Tests, 200 ODIs and 17 T20Is and was the team’s leading wicket-taker during the 2011 ODI World Cup campaign.
First head coaching assignment
The appointment marks Zaheer’s first head coaching role. Following his playing career, he worked with Mumbai Indians in senior cricket-management and development positions and later served as a mentor with Lucknow Super Giants.
Zaheer said joining CSK was an honour and expressed his excitement about becoming part of a franchise with a strong history and passionate supporters.
CSK owner Rupa Gurunath highlighted Zaheer’s playing career and experience in nurturing young talent, while managing director KS Viswanathan described him as a world-class bowler and an experienced mentor.
The appointment comes after CSK missed the IPL playoffs for a third consecutive season, setting the stage for a new coaching chapter ahead of IPL 2027.