Chennai Super Kings on Monday appointed former India pace great Zaheer Khan as their new head coach for the 2027 Indian Premier League season, bringing an end to Stephen Fleming’s 18-year association with the franchise. “Welcoming Zaheer Khan as the Head Coach of Chennai Super Kings,” the five-time IPL champions said in a post on X. Zaheer, 48, takes charge after one of the longest coaching tenures in IPL history. Fleming joined CSK as a player in the inaugural 2008 season and took over as head coach in 2009, beginning a run that would make him one of the most successful coaches in the league. Under Fleming, CSK won five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 trophies, reached the playoffs 12 times and featured in 10 IPL finals. His tenure also coincided with the franchise's long-standing association with MS Dhoni, helping establish CSK as one of the most consistent teams in the competition. Fleming and CSK mutually ended their association in July after the franchise failed to make the playoffs for a third consecutive season. His departure brought to a close an era that had stretched across nearly two decades, first as a player and then as coach. Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
CSK name Zaheer Khan head coach
Five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings have appointed former India pace great Zaheer Khan as their new head coach for the 2027 season. The 48-year-old takes over from Stephen Fleming, whose historic 18-year association with the franchise as a player and coach ended in July. Under Fleming, CSK won five IPL titles and built a legacy of consistency alongside star player MS Dhoni before missing the playoffs for three straight seasons.
What happened
Chennai Super Kings named former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan as their new head coach for the 2027 IPL season. He replaces Stephen Fleming, whose long 18-year run with the franchise ended in July.
Why it matters
If you are a die-hard CSK fan, this is a massive turning point for your favorite team as they move on from Stephen Fleming's legendary 18-year era and hand the reins to Zaheer Khan for the 2027 season. It signals a complete tactical refresh for the franchise as they try to bounce back from recent seasons where they missed the playoffs.
Impact
Zaheer Khan will take charge of the team's strategy, player auctions, and preparations for the 2027 IPL season, marking the start of a brand new coaching philosophy.
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