Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on September 21 announced Zaheer Khan as their head coach for Indian Premier League (IPL). As speculated earlier, former captain MS Dhoni who did not play a single match in the previous edition, recommended the name for the top role as Stephen Fleming’s successor. While there were rumours plenty about who will be CSK's next head coach, Dhoni's recommendation was received positively by CSK owner Rupa Gurunath and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. However, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanath revealed that it wasn’t easy to convince Zaheer to take up the post left vacant by Fleming who served the franchise for 18 years.
“It was MS who suggested Zaheer, and the cricket management team, comprising Rupa and Ruturaj Gaikwad, agreed that he fits the role. He has previous experience of working in the IPL with MI and LSG, and given that, we felt he is the right choice,” Viswanathan told The Indian Express.
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“To convince him to take the role wasn’t easy because it took some time, but eventually he agreed to come on board,” he added.
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Zaheer will have a lot of work to do, taking forward the legacy of a franchise that has won five IPL titles. However, Zaheer has worked as director of cricket operations for Mumbai Indians (MI) earlier. Also, he had a brief stint at Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as mentor and bowling coach.
Dhoni to retire or play with Zaheer taking over?
Before Zaheer was asked the famous question about Dhoni’s availability as player, CSK CEO continued to have the same stance that the wicketkeeper-batter is available as player. Retained for Rs 4 crore as uncapped player as per revised IPL rules, he did not play a single match last season due to injuries. It is yet to be seen whether Dhoni hangs up his boots or gets ready for one last lace in the yellow jersey.
Mini-auction on Zaheer’s mind
Zaheer will have plenty of work to do as mini-auction is not too far away. He’ll have to address the burning questions around Rs 14.20 crore local picks who could not live up to the expectations. Also, the injury concerns have plagued the franchise whether it is their Indian or foreign players. It will be interesting to see if Zaheer looks for a total revamp or fixes the chinks in the armour to help CSK to playoffs after three poor seasons.