Chennai Super Kings have appointed former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan as their head coach for IPL 2027. The five-time champions announced the appointment on X on Monday, September 21, bringing the experienced former pacer into a new chapter of his coaching career. Zaheer has previously been part of the Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants setups, working in coaching and mentoring roles.
He also represented Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals during his IPL playing career. However, IPL 2027 will mark his first season as a head coach in the tournament. The former India pacer has reportedly signed a one-year contract with CSK. However, a Cricbuzz report claimed that Zaheer was not the franchise’s first choice for the position after Stephen Fleming’s departure.
According to the report, CSK had approached former England captain Eoin Morgan about succeeding Fleming. Morgan, however, reportedly turned down the opportunity, preferring to continue with his current role in commentary.
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Cricbuzz further reported that another IPL franchise had also held discussions with Morgan over a possible head coach position. However, the former England batter is understood to have declined that offer as well.
Meanwhile, Michael Hussey is expected to continue as CSK’s batting coach. The former Australia batter has been associated with the franchise for several years and was also reportedly considered for the head coach position following Fleming’s exit.
CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has explained that Zaheer’s appointment was a decision taken by the franchise’s cricket committee. He also revealed that MS Dhoni had suggested Zaheer’s name before discussions involving captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and owner Rupa Gurunath.
“It was not an administrative decision. The cricket committee decided this. It was MS’s suggestion. He spoke to captain Rutu (Ruturaj Gikwad) and both had a discussion with owner Rupa (Gurunath) and thus the decision was arrived at,” Kasi Viswanathan told Cricbuzz.
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Zaheer now faces the task of helping CSK respond after their disappointing IPL 2026 campaign. His experience across playing, coaching and team management will be central to the franchise’s plans as they prepare for IPL 2027.
