Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have appointed former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan as their new head coach ahead of IPL 2027, bringing a major change to the franchise’s coaching setup.
The five-time IPL champions confirmed Zaheer’s appointment on September 21. He takes over from Stephen Fleming, who ended his long association with CSK after the 2026 season.
Zaheer Khan Takes Charge at CSK as Head Coach
The appointment brings an Indian coach into one of the IPL’s most established franchises.
Zaheer has already worked with multiple IPL teams in different roles. He was associated with Mumbai Indians in cricket operations and development before becoming a mentor at Lucknow Super Giants.
However, his CSK appointment will be his first role as an IPL head coach.
CSK also highlighted Zaheer’s experience in developing young cricketers when announcing the appointment.
“Left Arm ‘Taking’ Over! Welcoming Zaheer Khan as the Head Coach of Chennai Super Kings!”
The franchise’s announcement officially ended weeks of speculation over Fleming’s successor.
Stephen Fleming’s Long CSK Run Ends
Zaheer’s arrival follows the departure of Stephen Fleming, who had been one of the most important figures in CSK’s IPL history.
Fleming served as head coach across two stints, from 2009 to 2015 and again from 2018 to 2026. During his coaching tenure, CSK won five IPL titles.
Fleming stepped down after the 2026 season and subsequently took charge of England’s men’s Test team.
His departure therefore marks the end of a coaching era that lasted many years.
Why CSK Chose Zaheer Khan
Zaheer brings a combination of playing experience, franchise cricket knowledge and experience working with young players.
During his time with Mumbai Indians, he worked in cricket operations and development. He later joined Lucknow Super Giants as a mentor.
His work with young fast bowlers is another part of his background that CSK has highlighted.
CSK managing director Kasi Viswanathan said the appointment was a collective decision involving the franchise’s cricket management group. Reports also indicate that MS Dhoni, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and owner Rupa Gurunath were involved in discussions around the appointment.
Zaheer Khan’s International Career
Before moving into coaching and cricket administration, Zaheer was one of India’s leading fast bowlers.
He played:
- 92 Tests
- 200 ODIs
- 17 T20Is
Across international cricket, he took more than 600 wickets.
One of the highlights of his career came during India’s 2011 ODI World Cup triumph. Zaheer finished that tournament with 21 wickets, sharing the highest wicket tally of the competition. He also played 100 IPL matches and finished with 102 wickets.
What Zaheer Khan Faces at CSK
Zaheer arrives at CSK at an important stage for the franchise. CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs in the 2024, 2025 and 2026 seasons. The team last won the IPL title in 2023.
The new coach will therefore have to work on rebuilding the squad while maintaining the franchise’s established team culture.
Developing younger Indian players is expected to be an important part of his role. CSK’s management has specifically pointed to Zaheer’s experience in nurturing young talent.
Zaheer Khan and MS Dhoni Reunite
Zaheer’s appointment also brings him back into the same franchise environment as MS Dhoni.
The two were teammates in India’s 2011 World Cup-winning side, and Dhoni was involved in the CSK discussions around the new coaching setup, according to multiple reports.
Dhoni’s future as a player has remained a subject of attention, but CSK continues to have him involved with the franchise heading into the next season.
A New Era Before IPL 2027
The appointment of Zaheer Khan signals a significant transition for Chennai Super Kings.
Fleming’s long tenure is over, and CSK now have a former India World Cup-winning fast bowler at the helm.
Zaheer will have to establish his own coaching approach while working within the culture that has defined CSK for years.
His first IPL season as a head coach will therefore be closely followed when IPL 2027 begins.
For CSK, the next chapter has officially started — with Zaheer Khan taking over the coaching role from Stephen Fleming.
