Zaheer Khan appointed as Chennai Super Kings Head Coach before IPL 2027

Chennai Super Kings have appointed former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan as their new head coach for IPL 2027, bringing an end to the long search for Stephen Fleming's successor. The five-time IPL champions confirmed the appointment on Monday, September 21.

Zaheer takes over from Fleming, who ended his 18-year association with CSK earlier this year. Fleming had been the franchise's head coach since 2009 and guided the team to five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 trophies.

The appointment marks a significant new chapter in Zaheer's post-playing career. The former India left-arm pacer has already gained considerable experience in IPL team management, having worked with Mumbai Indians in senior cricket-development roles before joining Lucknow Super Giants as a mentor.

Zaheer played 100 IPL matches during his career and picked up 102 wickets. At the international level, he represented India in 92 Tests, 200 ODIs and 17 T20Is, and was India's leading wicket-taker during the 2011 World Cup-winning campaign.

"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. The atmosphere created by the Superfans at Chepauk make it even more special. I can't wait to join the legacy franchise with such a rich history," Khan was quoted as saying by Chennai Super Kings.

His transition into coaching and team management began with Mumbai Indians, where he served as Director of Cricket Operations and later Global Head of Cricket Development. He subsequently joined LSG as a mentor for IPL 2025.

The move also reunites Zaheer with several familiar figures from Indian cricket, while giving the former India pacer his biggest coaching assignment in the IPL to date.