Zaheer Khan named Chennai Super Kings head coach for IPL 2027

Chennai Super Kings appointed former India pacer Zaheer Khan as their head coach for the 2027 Indian Premier League, the franchise announced on 21 September 2026. The move follows a period of change at CSK after several disappointing seasons.

CSK enter the 2027 cycle having won five IPL titles and maintained a reputation for consistency over many years, but the franchise missed the playoffs for three successive seasons, including IPL 2026. Much of the club’s earlier success came under Stephen Fleming, who had been associated with CSK since the inaugural IPL season in 2008 and served as head coach from 2009 until his departure in 2026. The team finished the 2026 campaign in a position that prompted management to seek changes ahead of the next season.

Zaheer Khan, confirmed as CSK’s head coach for IPL 2027, is a former India fast bowler who played 92 Tests, 200 ODIs and 17 T20Is for his country. He was India’s leading wicket-taker during the 2011 ODI World Cup, taking 21 wickets. Zaheer’s appointment is the only major coaching addition officially confirmed by the franchise so far for the 2027 season.

Following his retirement from international cricket, Zaheer worked with Mumbai Indians in management and development roles before joining Lucknow Super Giants as a mentor. Those positions form the background to his move into the CSK coaching set-up for IPL 2027 and are cited as part of his experience by the franchise.

Michael Hussey has served as CSK’s batting coach for several years, but his role for IPL 2027 remains unconfirmed after he turned down England’s Test batting coach role and opted for a Cricket Australia consultancy instead, as reported by Hindustan Times. The franchise has not announced whether Hussey or other existing members of the support staff will continue under Zaheer’s leadership.

CSK have confirmed Zaheer Khan as head coach for IPL 2027, while the remainder of the coaching staff has yet to be officially announced. The club has not disclosed further appointments ahead of the next season.