Sports
oi-Swastika Sruti
Five-time Indian Premier League champions Chennai Super Kings have announced former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan as their new head coach ahead of the IPL 2027 season.
Chennai Super Kings appointed former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan as head coach for the IPL 2027 season, replacing Stephen Fleming after his 16-year tenure which included five IPL title wins, aiming to revitalize the team following a decline culminating in an eighth-place finish in 2026.
The franchise made the announcement through its social media platforms, bringing an end to Stephen Fleming’s long stint as head coach.
“Left Arm ‘Taking’ Over! Welcoming Zaheer Khan as the Head Coach of Chennai Super Kings!” CSK said in its announcement.
Zaheer Khan Replaces Stephen Fleming
Zaheer replaces Stephen Fleming, who has been with CSK for 16 years as a coach.
During Fleming’s time, Chennai has become one of the most successful sides in the history of IPL, winning five titles.
The highlights of Fleming’s stint at CSK include IPL wins in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023. With the departure of Fleming, it will mark a big shift in the CSK coaching team after 16 years.
Left Arm “Taking” Over! 💫🦁
Welcoming Zaheer Khan as the Head Coach of Chennai Super Kings!#WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) September 21, 2026
Zaheer comes with a lot of experience both in international cricket and in franchise cricket.
As a player, Zaheer has been one of the best left-arm fast bowlers of India and also part of the India side that has won the World Cup in 2011.
As a coach and mentor, Zaheer has experience with Mumbai Indians.
CSK Looking To Bounce Back
Zaheer’s appointment comes at a time when CSK are looking to rebuild after a difficult period.
The franchise last won the IPL in 2023, when CSK defeated Gujarat Titans in the final. Since then, the team has struggled to reproduce the consistency that became a defining feature of the franchise under MS Dhoni and Fleming.
The 2026 season was particularly disappointing for the five-time champions. CSK finished eighth in the league standings after winning six and losing eight of their 14 matches, ending the campaign with 12 points.
The team also underwent a leadership transition, with Ruturaj Gaikwad taking over the captaincy from MS Dhoni.
Can Zaheer Bring Back CSK’s Winning Formula?
Zaheer now takes charge at a significant stage in CSK’s transition.
With Fleming’s long association with the franchise coming to an end, the new coach will have the task of working with the existing squad while helping shape the team’s approach for the upcoming season.
His understanding of fast bowling, player development and franchise cricket could become important as CSK look to strengthen their squad and return to the playoffs.
The IPL 2027 season will therefore mark a new chapter for CSK, with Zaheer Khan replacing the coach who guided the franchise through five title-winning campaigns.
