21 September,2026 07:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Zaheer Khan (Pic: File Pic)
Former Team India's cricketer Zaheer Khan has been appointed as the new head coach of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027. IPL 2027: CSK name Zaheer Khan as new head coach
The Chennai-based franchise shared a post on its official social media handle to make the announcement. "Left Arm "Taking" Over! Welcoming Zaheer Khan as the Head Coach of Chennai Super Kings! #WhistlePodu #Yellove," read the post's caption.
The move came after Stephen Fleming stepped down from the position of head coach. Fleming was with CSK since the inception of the cash-rich league in 2008. He began his tenure as head coach of the Chennai-based franchise in 2009, building it into one of the most respected brands in franchise cricket before they eventually parted ways.
He guided the team to five titles and forged an iconic partnership with the then skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The side also won a couple of Champions League Twenty20 tournaments and entered the IPL playoffs a record 12 times, while being part of 10 finals.
It is understood that CSK's cricket management committee, comprising MS Dhoni, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and owner Rupa Gurunath wanted an Indian coach this time.
Zaheer Khan concluded his Test career with 92 matches and 311 wickets. His best bowling figures in the longest format of the game are 10 wickets for 149 runs. In One-Day Internationals (ODIs), the pacer represented India in 200 games and claimed 282 wickets. His career-best figures in the 50-over format are five wickets for 42 runs. He also donned India's T20I colours in 17 matches and bagged 17 wickets. Zaheer's best figures in the shortest format are four wickets for 19 runs.
The former cricketer has also played for three franchises in the IPL. He has been a part of Delhi Daredevils (DD), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and Mumbai Indians (MI).
(With PTI Inputs)
