NE SPORTS BUREAU
CHENNAI, SEPT 21
From spearheading India’s pace attack to steering one of the IPL’s most storied dugouts, Zaheer Khan is set for a new innings at Chepauk. Chennai Super Kings have appointed the former India left-arm fast bowler as their Head Coach for TATA IPL 2027, marking a major transition in the franchise’s coaching set-up.
A key figure in India’s triumphant 2011 ODI World Cup campaign, Zaheer brings a wealth of experience across international and franchise cricket. He represented India in 92 Tests, 200 ODIs and 17 T20Is during a 14-year international career and featured in 100 IPL matches before moving into coaching and mentoring roles.
- Former India pace spearhead succeeds Stephen Fleming as Chennai Super Kings usher in a new coaching era
- World Cup 2011 hero brings 14 years of international experience and 100 IPL appearances to Chepauk
- Rupa Gurunath hails Zaheer’s ability to nurture young talent and strengthen CSK’s core
- Kasi Viswanathan calls him one of cricket’s finest brains as Zaheer embraces the Super Kings legacy
The appointment comes after the end of Stephen Fleming’s long association with CSK, making Zaheer the latest custodian of a franchise built around continuity, tactical nous and player development.
‘A valuable addition to our set-up’
CSK owner Rupa Gurunath said Zaheer’s playing pedigree and experience in developing young cricketers made him a natural addition to the franchise.
“We are pleased to confirm Zaheer Khan as the Head Coach for Chennai Super Kings. Zaheer’s distinguished playing career and proven ability to nurture young talent make him a valuable addition to our setup. We are confident that his guidance will help strengthen the core of this franchise.”
The emphasis on nurturing young talent could be particularly significant as CSK continues to build its next generation of players alongside its established stars.
‘One of the finest cricketing brains’
CSK Managing Director K.S. Viswanathan described Zaheer as much more than a former international pace ace, pointing to his influence as a mentor and strategist.
“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.”
Zaheer’s post-playing career has included several coaching, mentoring and cricket-development assignments, adding a broader strategic dimension to his credentials. Current reports note his previous involvement with India and Mumbai Indians as well as his more recent mentoring role with Lucknow Super Giants.
From World Cup glory to Chepauk’s roar
For Zaheer, the move brings him into the heart of a franchise he has encountered repeatedly as a player — but this time from the other side of the boundary.
“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.”
The appointment gives CSK a coach whose career has spanned international cricket, the IPL and player-development roles, while his left-arm pace-bowling expertise adds particular resonance to a franchise that has historically placed strong emphasis on bowling depth and tactical adaptability.
Zaheer’s challenge now moves from taking wickets to building winners — with Chepauk’s Superfans expecting his next innings to be every bit as compelling as his first.
