Chennai Super Kings have appointed former India pacer Zaheer Khan as their head coach for the 2027 Indian Premier League season, marking a major change in the franchise’s coaching setup.
Zaheer will replace Stephen Fleming, who ended his 18-year association with CSK after the 2026 season. Fleming had been the team’s head coach since 2009 and was a central figure in one of the most successful coaching eras in IPL history.
The appointment was announced by CSK on Monday. Zaheer, 47, becomes the franchise’s first new head coach since Fleming took charge more than a decade ago.
The former left-arm fast bowler brings a long association with Indian cricket and extensive experience in the IPL. He played 100 IPL matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals, taking 102 wickets.
After retiring from playing, Zaheer moved into coaching and cricket administration. He joined Mumbai Indians as Director of Cricket Operations ahead of the 2019 season and later became the franchise’s Global Head of Development. He also worked as a mentor with Lucknow Super Giants before leaving the franchise.
His new role at CSK will be his first full-time assignment as an IPL head coach.
Zaheer also has a strong international record. He played 92 Tests, 200 ODIs and 17 T20Is for India during a career spanning 14 years. He was a key member of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning team and finished that tournament as India’s leading wicket-taker with 21 wickets. Across international cricket, he took 610 wickets.
The appointment also brings Zaheer back together with MS Dhoni, his former India teammate from the 2011 World Cup-winning side.
According to CSK managing director Kasi Viswanathan, Dhoni played an important role in the decision to appoint Zaheer. Viswanathan said the cricket management team considered Zaheer’s experience and agreed that he was suitable for the position.
Reports said the franchise had initially considered overseas candidates for the position after Fleming’s departure. However, the search eventually moved towards an Indian coach, with Zaheer emerging as the preferred choice.
Zaheer’s appointment comes at a time when CSK are looking to rebuild after two difficult IPL seasons. The team finished at the bottom of the points table in both 2025 and 2026 and missed the playoffs for a third consecutive season in 2026. The change in coaching is therefore part of a wider transition for the five-time champions.
Fleming’s departure ended one of the longest coaching associations in professional cricket. He first joined CSK as a player in the inaugural IPL season in 2008 and became head coach the following year. During his time in charge, CSK won five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 trophies. The team also reached multiple finals and established itself as one of the league’s most consistent franchises.
Fleming has since taken up a new challenge as England’s men’s Test head coach.
Zaheer now inherits a CSK squad that is entering a period of transition. His experience working with young players, particularly fast bowlers, is expected to be an important part of his responsibilities.
CSK owner Rupa Gurunath said Zaheer’s playing career and experience in developing young talent made him a valuable addition to the franchise. Viswanathan also highlighted Zaheer’s work with young fast bowlers and described him as an experienced cricketing mind.
Zaheer himself said joining CSK was an honour and recalled facing the franchise during his playing career. He also spoke about the atmosphere at Chepauk and the strong connection between the team and its supporters.
The appointment means IPL 2027 will begin with a familiar face in a new role at CSK. Zaheer has spent years as a player, mentor and cricket administrator, but his first head-coaching assignment in the IPL will now come with one of the tournament’s most closely followed franchises.
His immediate task will be to work with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhoni and the wider CSK management to shape the team’s plans for the new season. With Fleming’s long era now over, the franchise enters IPL 2027 with a new coach and a fresh coaching chapter.
His immediate task will be to work with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhoni and the wider CSK management to shape the team’s plans for the new season. Zaheer will also be expected to strengthen the squad’s young core and build a clear strategy for CSK’s return to the playoffs.
