IPL: CSK appoint Zaheer Khan as head coach, replacing Stephen Fleming
Ending weeks of speculation, Chennai Super Kings on Monday, September 21, confirmed the appointment of Zaheer Khan as their head coach. The former India fast bowler will replace Stephen Fleming, who left the role after 17 years at the helm in July.
"Left Arm 'Taking' Over! Welcoming Zaheer Khan as the Head Coach of Chennai Super Kings!" the franchise said in a post on X.
Zaheer will reunite with his former captain, MS Dhoni, who is expected to remain associated with the franchise despite continued uncertainty over his future as a player. His arrival comes at an interesting juncture for CSK, with Zaheer having a year to assess and reshape the squad before the 2028 mega auction potentially gives the franchise the chance to overhaul its team. Screengrab from X
Several names, including former India head coach Rahul Dravid and former England captain Eoin Morgan, had been doing the rounds for the CSK job, one of the most high-profile vacancies in Indian cricket. Last week, media reports claimed that Michael Hussey, who has been serving as the team's batting coach, would take over as head coach. Zaheer's appointment, however, came as a surprise, with his name largely staying under the radar amid the speculation.
CSK were reportedly keen on appointing an Indian head coach, with former Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani also featuring in the discussions. It is understood that MS Dhoni, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and owner Rupa Gurunath were involved in discussions before the options were shortlisted.NOT NEW TO COACHING
This will be Zaheer's first stint as the head coach of an IPL franchise.
However, the left-arm fast bowler is not new to coaching and player development. He worked as India's bowling consultant in 2017 and later spent several years with Mumbai Indians in cricket operations and mentoring roles, regularly working with the team's bowlers and young players alongside head coach Mahela Jayawardene. MI have also described him as part of their coaching setup, while Zaheer himself referred to his "coaching role" with the franchise in 2022.
Zaheer also spent the 2025 IPL season with Lucknow Super Giants as their mentor, working closely with head coach Justin Langer and the franchise's coaching staff. His role extended beyond a purely advisory one, with Zaheer involved in training and player management and expected to contribute to the bowling group following Morne Morkel's departure. LSG officially listed him as mentor rather than bowling coach in their backroom staff.
"It's an honour to be a part of one of the most successful teams in the history of the IPL. As a cricketer, I have faced CSK on the field and have thoroughly enjoyed the contests," Zaheer said, as quoted by Sportstar.
CSK managing director Kasi Viswanathan highlighted Zaheer's cricketing acumen while welcoming his appointment.
"Zaheer is a world class bowler and has been a mentor to many young cricketers, especially fast bowlers, over the years. As a player, Zaheer was one of the key reasons for India's success in the 2000s. He's one of the finest cricketing brains and we look forward to having him in our family."
Stephen Fleming has since joined the England men's Test team as their head coach.WILL MS JOIN ZAK?
Meanwhile, Zaheer Khan will face a tough test in IPL 2027, with CSK needing to address several gaps in their squad in the final year of the three-year cycle before the mega auction in 2028. CSK finished at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table, ending the season with the wooden spoon for the first time in the league's history.
It also remains to be seen whether Dhoni, who will turn 46 next year, continues as a player. The former India captain shares a strong rapport with Zaheer, and the former fast bowler could find himself playing an important role in helping Dhoni transition into a mentor's role with the Super Kings.
