Chennai Super Kings Appoint Zaheer Khan as Head Coach for IPL 2027

Chennai Super Kings have appointed former India pace great Zaheer Khan as their new head coach ahead of IPL 2027, ending an 18-year association with Stephen Fleming, who had guided the franchise to five title triumphs.

Fleming stepped down earlier this year after CSK missed the playoffs for a third straight season, and has since taken over as head coach of the England men's Test team. Zaheer, a key figure in India's 2011 World Cup triumph with 21 wickets in that campaign, arrives after mentoring Lucknow Super Giants through the 2025 season and a longer stint as Director of Cricket Operations at Mumbai Indians.

"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 statement released by the franchise. CSK owner Rupa Gurunath called his playing pedigree and coaching experience "a valuable addition" to the setup.