CSK appoints Zaheer Khan as head coach

CSK signs former Indian left-arm fast bowler for IPL 2027 zaheer khan Has announced as its new head coach. He Stephen Fleming He will be replaced by Joe Biden, who ended his unique 18-year association with the franchise and moves into a new role in England cricket. Fleming in July England Was appointed as the men’s Test head coach of India.

Zaheer comes to CSK with a lot of experience both on and off the field. The former fast bowler played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals during his IPL career, and retired from the league in 2017.

Following his playing career, Zaheer took on various leadership and guidance roles. He took over as Mumbai Indians’ director of cricket operations ahead of the 2019 IPL season and later assumed the role of head of global development. He was also appointed the mentor of Lucknow Super Giants for IPL 2025, although he left the franchise before the next season.

Zaheer brings his playing and mentoring experience

Zaheer played 100 IPL matches and took 102 wickets at an average of 27.27 in his career. His international career was even more distinguished, with the left-arm fast bowler taking 610 wickets for India across all formats. Talking about his appointment, Zaheer said that it is an honor to be a part of one of the most successful franchises in IPL history. He also reflected on facing CSK during his playing days and highlighted the special atmosphere created by the team’s supporters in Chepauk.

“It’s an honor to be a part of one of the most successful teams in IPL history. The atmosphere created by the Superfans at Chepauk makes it even more special. I can’t wait to join this franchise with a rich history,” Zaheer said in a statement.

CSK trying to rebuild after tough IPL 2026 campaign

The appointment follows another challenging IPL season for CSK in 2026. Ruturaj Gaikwad Under the leadership of , the franchise finished outside the playoff positions after six wins and eight losses in 14 matches. Their total of 12 points kept them out of the playoffs for the third consecutive season.

Now that a new head coach has been appointed, CSK is ready to make a fresh start in IPL 2027. Managing Director K S Viswanathan described Zaheer as a world-class bowler and praised his work with young fast bowlers, also highlighting his contribution to India’s success in the 2000s.

The franchise hopes that Zaheer’s coaching and mentoring experience can help strengthen their core and guide CSK back into the competition in the upcoming IPL season.