Chennai Super Kings have appointed former India pacer Zaheer Khan as their head coach for the 2027 Indian Premier League season. The appointment brings a major change to CSK’s coaching setup after Stephen Fleming ended his 16-year association with the franchise.
Zaheer will take charge of the five-time IPL champions as the team looks to rebuild following a difficult run in recent seasons.
CSK confirm Zaheer Khan as new coach
CSK managing director Kasi Viswanathan confirmed Zaheer’s appointment and said the decision followed discussions among the franchise’s cricket management and leadership group.
The leadership group included prominent names such as MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson.
Zaheer has agreed to a one-year contract and is expected to begin his new role ahead of the preparations for IPL 2027. The franchise will also begin planning its squad around the upcoming retention and auction cycle.
First IPL head coach role for Zaheer
Although Zaheer Khan has extensive experience in Indian and franchise cricket, the CSK position will be his first head-coaching assignment in the IPL.
The former fast bowler previously worked with Mumbai Indians in cricket administration and development roles. He joined the franchise in 2018 and remained associated with the organisation until 2022.
Zaheer later became a mentor with Lucknow Super Giants and remained in that position until September 2025.
His experience extends beyond management roles. During his playing career, Zaheer represented India across formats and was a key member of the squad that won the 2011 ODI World Cup.
He also played 100 IPL matches and claimed 102 wickets.
Zaheer has strong connection with IPL
Zaheer has spent years working around some of the biggest names and teams in Indian franchise cricket.
During his time with Mumbai Indians, he was part of the organisation during its successful title-winning campaigns in 2019 and 2020, working alongside head coach Mahela Jayawardene.
His appointment at CSK is also notable because Zaheer faced the franchise twice in IPL finals during his playing career, in 2010 and 2011. CSK won both finals.
CSK’s management believes his experience could particularly help the team’s bowling group and the development of younger players.
New coaching team could be formed
One of the major questions ahead of IPL 2027 will be the composition of CSK’s support staff.
The franchise has not yet confirmed whether members of Fleming’s previous coaching team, including Eric Simmons and Michael Hussey, will continue.
Viswanathan has indicated that Zaheer will have the freedom to select his own coaching staff, potentially giving the new coach an opportunity to build a setup suited to his approach.
Why CSK made a coaching change
CSK’s decision comes after a challenging period for the franchise.
After winning the IPL in 2023, the team has not returned to the playoffs. Their 2025 campaign was particularly difficult, with CSK finishing at the bottom of the league table after recording six victories from 14 matches.
The franchise subsequently started placing greater emphasis on younger players rather than relying primarily on experienced stars.
Players such as Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis and Kartik Sharma were brought into the squad as part of that transition. However, the results did not immediately improve.
Fleming eventually stepped down in July 2026 after CSK finished eighth in the league stage.
End of an era for Stephen Fleming
Fleming’s departure closes one of the longest coaching chapters in IPL history.
He first joined CSK as a player in 2008 before becoming the team’s head coach. Over the years, he became closely associated with the franchise’s identity and played a major role in its five IPL title victories.
Zaheer now inherits that legacy at a time when CSK are looking to establish a new direction.
Zaheer’s CSK role limited to IPL
The CSK ownership group also operates teams in other T20 competitions, including Joburg Super Kings in the SA20 and Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket.
However, Zaheer’s appointment will be specifically for the Chennai Super Kings IPL team.
Albie Morkel has already been named head coach of Joburg Super Kings, while Texas Super Kings are yet to announce their new coach.
With IPL 2027 on the horizon, Zaheer Khan will now be responsible for helping CSK shape their coaching structure, strengthen their bowling resources and prepare the squad for the next phase of the franchise’s rebuilding process.
