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Chennai Super Kings appoint Zaheer Khan as head coach for IPL 2027

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Zaheer Khan appointed new head coach of CSK

Zaheer Khan (Source: Getty Images)

Mr Cricket UAE Staff

Mr Cricket UAE Staff

Published - 21 Sep 2026, 04:56 PM Read time - 3 mins

Former India pacer Zaheer Khan has been appointed as the head coach of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the upcoming Indian Premier League 2027 (IPL 2027). Khan replaces Stephen Fleming at the helm, who leaves his position after 16 years, having guided CSK to a joint-most five IPL titles. Khan previously also served as mentor for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2025. 

He joined the franchise in August 2024, taking charge of scouting, planning and strategy, filling in for Gautam Gambhir, who left the position after IPL 2023. Previously, Khan was with Mumbai Indians (MI) from 2018 to 2022, serving as Director of Cricket Operations, overseeing back-to-back triumphs in 2019 and 2020 for the franchise.

CSK informed about Khan’s appointment through their social media handles in their own unique style.

“Left Arm ‘Taking’ Over! Welcoming Zaheer Khan as the Head Coach of Chennai Super Kings!,” wrote CSK on their X account.

Khan is vastly experienced both at the international and IPL level. He played 100 matches in the tournament for three franchises, namely Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC), across ten seasons. The left-arm pacer scalped 102 wickets at an average of 27.27 and an economy of 7.58.

Zaheer Khan's illustrious career

He was a key member of the Indian team across formats, having played 92 Tests, 200 ODIs and 17 T20Is. His 311 scalps are the joint second-most by an Indian pacer in Tests along with Ishant Sharma.

The 47-year-old also has 282 wickets to his name in the 50-over format and 17 in T20Is. Khan played a key role in India’s 2011 World Cup triumph, finishing as the joint-highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 21 scalps.

Khan was also instrumental in India’s historic 1-0 Test series win in England in 2007, being the highest wicket-taker of the series with 18 scalps from six innings, including a nine-wicket haul in the victorious Nottingham Test.

Speaking on his first appointment as head coach, Khan expressed his excitement about joining the franchise with a rich legacy.

"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 in a CSK press release.

CSK have endured a difficult period ever since their last title in 2023, having failed to qualify for the playoffs in the last three seasons. The five-time champions finished eighth in IPL 2026 with six wins and eight losses.