Zaheer Khan takes charge as Chennai Super Kings head coach
Chennai Super Kings have appointed former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan as their new head coach, replacing Stephen Fleming ahead of the upcoming IPL season.
The appointment ends Fleming’s 16-year association with the franchise. During his tenure, CSK won five IPL titles. Zaheer has previously worked with Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants in different leadership and mentoring roles.
CSK managing director Kasi Viswanathan said the appointment was a collective decision by the franchise’s cricket management group. He said MS Dhoni, Rupa Gurunath, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson were involved in the process.
Zaheer, who has played 100 IPL matches and taken 102 wickets, brings extensive experience as a former international cricketer. Across formats, he finished his playing career with more than 600 wickets.
However, this will be his first assignment as a head coach. He will take charge of a CSK side that has missed the IPL playoffs in its last three seasons. The franchise’s most recent IPL title came in 2023, when it defeated Gujarat Titans in the final.
Zaheer said he was looking forward to joining CSK and experiencing the atmosphere at Chepauk created by the franchise’s supporters.