MS Dhoni played a central role in Chennai Super Kings appointing Zaheer Khan as their new Head Coach, recommending his former India teammate as the five-time IPL champions searched for a successor to Stephen Fleming ahead of IPL 2027.
Zaheer has joined CSK on an initial one-year contract after Fleming ended an 18-year association with the franchise. The appointment gives the former India fast bowler his first Head Coach position at this level following previous IPL roles with Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants.
Dhoni recommends Zaheer to CSK management
CSK’s eventual choice was reached through its cricket management setup, with Dhoni putting Zaheer’s name forward before the proposal was considered by other key figures involved in the process.
Chennai Super Kings Managing Director Kasi Viswanathan told The Indian Express: “It was MS who suggested Zaheer, and the cricket management team, comprising Rupa and Ruturaj Gaikwad, agreed that he fits the role. He has previous experience of working in the IPL with MI and LSG, and given that, we felt he is the right choice.”
Zaheer and Dhoni were teammates for India for a decade, with both playing prominent roles in the national side during that period. Zaheer was also a key member of the Dhoni-led team that won the 2011 ODI World Cup, finishing the tournament with 21 wickets.
Viswanathan added: “We couldn’t have got a better coach than Zaheer.”
CSK explored other coaching options
Zaheer emerged from a broader search undertaken after Fleming’s departure, with CSK considering multiple possibilities before completing the appointment.
Former England Captain Eoin Morgan was among the overseas candidates approached during that process, according to Cricbuzz. Morgan turned down the opportunity, while another IPL franchise had also been in discussions with him. He preferred to remain in his current commentary role rather than take up a Head Coach position.
Mike Hussey was another name considered for the vacancy. The former Australia batter, who has an established association with CSK and has been serving as the franchise’s Batting Coach, is expected to continue in his existing role.
CSK had to work to secure Zaheer
Reaching an agreement with Zaheer required time after CSK identified him for the position. Viswanathan told The Indian Express: “To convince him to take the role wasn’t easy because it took some time, but eventually he agreed to come on board.”
The 47-year-old previously worked with Mumbai Indians as Director of Cricket Operations and later Global Head of Cricket Development before moving to Lucknow Super Giants. During his playing career, he also appeared in 100 IPL matches across Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mumbai Indians and Delhi Daredevils.
KS Viswanathan said in an official statement: “Zaheer is a world class bowler and has been a mentor to many young cricketers, especially fast bowlers, over the years. As a player, Zaheer was one of the key reasons for India’s success in the 2000s. He’s one of the finest cricketing brains and we look forward to having him in our family.”
Zaheer to shape CSK support staff
The new Head Coach will have a say in how CSK configure the coaching group around him. The franchise’s existing support staff includes Hussey, Sridharan Sriram, Rajiv Kumar, Eric Simons and James Foster.
Viswanathan told IANS: “He will decide on the support staff.”
Zaheer’s early work will also include finalising CSK’s retention strategy ahead of the mini-auction in December. The franchise enters its preparations for IPL 2027 after missing the playoffs in each of the previous three seasons.
