MS Dhoni’s preference leads Chennai Super Kings to appoint Zaheer Khan as head coach
MS Dhoni’s preference for a familiar face in the Chennai Super Kings camp on Monday resulted in the franchise appointing former India pacer Zaheer Khan as its head coach, the club announced on 'X'. Zaheer succeeds Stephen Fleming, who had been in charge for 18 seasons.
Fleming’s long tenure helped establish CSK as a five-time IPL champion, and he had announced in July that he was parting ways with the side. "Welcoming Zaheer Khan as the Head Coach of Chennai Super Kings," CSK announced on 'X'. "It's an honour to be a part of one of the most successful teams in the history of the IPL," Zaheer was quoted as saying in a press release issued by the franchise. "As a cricketer, I have faced CSK on the field and have thoroughly enjoyed the contests. The atmosphere created by the Superfans at Chepauk makes it even more special. I can't wait to join the legacy franchise with such a rich history."
The soon-to-be 48-year-old Zaheer represented India in 92 Tests, 200 ODIs and 17 T20Is. He finished as the highest wicket-taker in India’s 2011 World Cup campaign with 21 scalps.
In the IPL and coaching sphere, Zaheer played 100 matches for franchises including Mumbai Indians, Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bengaluru before moving into coaching. He mentored the Lucknow Super Giants during the 2024 season and had previously worked with Mumbai Indians as their director of cricket operations and later as global head of cricket development.
CSK’s cricket management committee that drove the selection comprised MS Dhoni, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and owner Rupa Gurunath, and the group wanted an Indian coach for the role. "Zaheer's distinguished playing career and proven ability to nurture young talent make him a valuable addition to our set-up. We are confident that his guidance will help strengthen the core of this franchise," Gurunath said.
CSK managing director Kashi 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." Sources close to CSK team management said Dhoni insisted on someone he was familiar with, and the club ruled out other names circulating on social media, including former England skipper Eoin Morgan. In the case of Hemang Badani, "his poor show as Delhi Capitals during the two years run by co-owners GMR went against him. Both years, under Badani's coaching, DC performed miserably. While Badani as a coach did well in ILT20 and The Hundred, the competitions are not even a patch of what IPL is and hence couldn't be given enough credence."
Fleming has since taken up the role of England's head coach in Test cricket, completing CSK’s search for a replacement and leaving Zaheer to begin his tenure as head coach of the five-time IPL champions.
