Zaheer Khan will once again team up with Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the former India pacer was named Chennai Super Kings head coach for IPL 2027 on Monday.
Zaheer takes over from Stephen Fleming, who parted ways with the franchise after 18 years following a disastrous IPL 2026.
The 47-year-old has previously worked with Mumbai Indians as director of cricket from 2018 to 2022 and was also mentor at Lucknow Super Giants in 2024. While there has been no clarity on Dhoni’s role next year from the franchise, there’s talk that he will continue playing for another season.
Once Fleming stepped down, CSK was understood to be keen on having an Indian as head coach, though several overseas players’ names cropped up as his replacement. Dhoni is learnt to have suggested Zaheer’s name and CSK felt he was the right choice to take over at a critical time for the franchise.
CSK have failed to qualify for the play-offs for three successive seasons, and the franchise is under pressure to turn things around next season.
CSK last won the title in 2023 in Dhoni’s final season as full-time captain. A bottom-placed finish in 2025 prompted a change in their operation. A franchise that once put a lot of faith in experienced players has now turned to young talent and rookies to build a team for the future. They brought in the likes of Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis and Kartik Sharma but success on the field remained elusive.
Fleming, who had been with CSK since 2008 – first as a player then as coach – stepped down as head coach in July 2026 after the team finished eighth in the league with six wins and eight losses.
“It’s an honour to be a part of one of the most successful teams in the history of the IPL,” Zaheer said in a CSK press release on Monday. “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 enjoyed successive title-winning seasons working with head coach Mahela Jayawardene at Mumbai Indians in 2019 and 2020. He played 100 IPL matches, picked up 102 wickets and was part of two finals, 2010 and 2011, losing both to CSK.
“We are pleased to confirm Zaheer Khan as the head coach for Chennai Super Kings. Zaheer’s distinguished playing career and proven ability to nurture young talent make him a valuable addition to our setup. We are confident that his guidance will help strengthen the core of this franchise,” CSK owner Rupa Gurunath said.
CSK managing director Kasi Viswanathan added: “Zaheer is a world class bowler and has been a mentor to many young cricketers, especially fast bowlers, over the years. As a player, Zaheer was one of the key reasons for India’s success in the 2000s. He’s one of the finest cricketing brains and we look forward to having him in our family.”
Fleming’s association with CSK has been legendary. He first joined CSK as a player in the inaugural edition of the tournament under Dhoni’s captaincy in 2008. After CSK finished runners-up in their maiden campaign, the former New Zealand captain was roped in as head coach ahead of the 2009 edition, marking the beginning of a long association that saw one of the most successful coaching tenures in the competition.
“Eighteen years is a lifetime in sport, and I leave with nothing but gratitude. My time with Chennai Super Kings has been the privilege of my coaching career. I am proud of everything we have achieved,” Fleming recently said.
“Together, we celebrated unforgettable victories, overcame difficult moments, and built memories that will stay with me forever. CSK will always be close to my heart, and I will be cheering the team on for years to come.” With five IPL and two Champions League titles, Fleming remains the most decorated coach in the IPL.
Zaheer is expected to focus only on the IPL and will have no coaching tie-ups with any other leagues around the world. His calm temperament is expected to work in CSK’s favour though he will have to live up to exalted standards.