CSK name Zaheer Khan as new head coach who won World Cup 2011 under MS Dhoni's leadership

Five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on September 21 named Zaheer Khan as their head coach for the 2027 edition. Zaheer will succeed former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming who served for 18 years before joining England as their Test team's head coach.

Zaheer had previously worked with Mumbai Indians' (MI) Director of Cricket Operations from 2018 to 2022 before taking over as global head of cricket development till 2024. He also served as Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) mentor and bowling coach in IPL 2025.

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"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," Zaheer said on his appointment as CSK head coach.

Zaheer never won IPL as player

Zaheer had never represented CSK in his IPL career. He made his IPL debut for RCB in the inaugural edition. He played the next two editions at MI before moving back to RCB till 2013. In IPL 2014, he joined MI and then moved to Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) where he played his last game in 2017.

He played 100 IPL games and claimed 100 wickets at an average of 27.27 including a four-wicket haul. He played four games for MI in now-defunct Champions League T20. Zaheer never won an IPL title as player.

Overall, Zaheer has played 92 Tests, 200 ODIs and 17 T20Is. He has 311 wickets in Tests, 282 in ODIs and 17 in T20Is. He was a vital cog in the wheel in India's ODI World Cup 2011 triumph under MS Dhoni's leadership.

Will Zaheer release Kartik, Prashant? A final call on Dhoni?

It will be interesting to see the number of player Zaheer releases from CSK squad before the mini-auction. Young Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer were roped in for a record Rs 14.20 crore each in the previous auction. CSK may look to rebuild their squad by releasing them. Also, all the questions related to whether MS Dhoni will play or retire will be directed at Zaheer.