Zaheer Khan is new CSK head coach, replaces Stephen Fleming ahead of IPL 2027

Zaheer succeeds long-serving coach Stephen Fleming, who stepped down in July to take charge of the England men's Test team. The appointment marks Zaheer's first stint as a head coach at any level.

"Left Arm 'Taking' Over! Welcoming Zaheer Khan as the Head Coach of Chennai Super Kings!" CSK announced on X on Monday.

Zaheer's first head coach role

Zaheer brings considerable coaching and mentoring experience to the CSK setup, although he has never previously held the position of head coach.

The former India pacer served as Director of Cricket at Mumbai Indians from 2018 to 2022.

He later joined Lucknow Super Giants as a mentor in August 2024 and held the role until September 2025.

Zaheer was also part of India's support staff in 2017. He was initially named as the team's bowling coach after Anil Kumble's appointment as head coach, but his role was subsequently revised to bowling consultant after Ravi Shastri took charge.

21 wickets in India's 2011 World Cup triumph

Zaheer was one of India's key performers during the 2011 World Cup-winning campaign and finished the tournament as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 21 wickets.

Across his international career, the left-arm pacer played 92 Tests, 200 ODIs and 17 T20Is for India.

His experience in international cricket and franchise management will now be brought into the CSK setup as the franchise prepares for the 2027 season.

Fleming's 18-year CSK association ends

Fleming had two spells as CSK head coach, first from 2009 to 2015 and then from 2018 to 2026. Under his leadership, the franchise established itself as one of the most successful teams in IPL history.

Fleming announced his departure in July this year after deciding to take over as England's Test head coach, succeeding his former New Zealand teammate Brendon McCullum.

CSK's decision to appoint Zaheer comes after the franchise's cricket management, understood to include MS Dhoni, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and owner Rupa Gurunath, opted for an Indian coach for the next phase.

Zaheer's appointment now sets the stage for a new coaching era at CSK ahead of IPL 2027.