Chennai Super Kings Name Zaheer Khan Head Coach For IPL 2027

Chennai Super Kings have appointed former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan as their new head coach for the 2027 Indian Premier League season, the franchise announced on Monday. The appointment ends the 18-year association of Stephen Fleming, who departed after the team failed to qualify for the playoffs for three consecutive seasons. The announcement was made by the five-time champions on social media, welcoming Zaheer as head coach. The 48-year-old, who took 610 international wickets across formats, will be tasked with rebuilding the squad ahead of the 2028 mega auction. CSK finished at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table, ending the season with the wooden spoon for the first time in the league's history. Zaheer replaces Fleming, who guided the franchise from 2009 to 2026. The New Zealander's tenure concluded after the team's poor recent campaigns. Fleming has since taken over as head coach of the England men's Test team. The appointment was influenced by key figures within the franchise. According to reports, former captain MS Dhoni was given the responsibility of identifying Fleming's replacement and recommended Zaheer for the role.