CSK coach changed after 18 years, explosive entry of Zaheer Khan in place of Stephen Fleming

Delhi: Chennai Super Kings has found its new head coach for IPL 2027. CSK has appointed former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan as its head coach. Zaheer Khan will replace the veteran Stephen Fleming, who played the role from 2009 to 2026.

CSK gets new head coach

Zaheer Khan retired as a player from IPL in 2017. After this he worked in the role of coaching and mentor. He has played for RCB, Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals in IPL.

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Before IPL 2019, Zaheer was made the Director of Cricket Operations by Mumbai Indians. Later he also took charge of the global development program of the franchise. He became the mentor of Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025, but he left the team before the next season.

🚨 BREAKING: Zaheer Khan has been appointed CSK's head coach for IPL 2027. pic.twitter.com/4iZgF9zZvD

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) September 21, 2026

Zaheer's IPL career statistics

Zaheer's IPL career as a player has also been excellent. He played 100 IPL matches and took 102 wickets at an average of 27.27.

Zaheer continued to lead fast bowling for the Indian team for a long time. He took a total of 610 wickets in all three formats. Now his experience can be very useful for the young and fast bowlers of CSK.

It's an honor to be a part of CSK – Zaheer

After being made the head coach of CSK, Zaheer Khan called it an honor for him. He said that he is very excited to be associated with one of the most successful teams of IPL.

Zaheer said that he has faced CSK as a player and has always found the atmosphere created by the team's fans in Chepauk to be special. He said that he cannot wait to be a part of the legacy of this historic franchise.

CSK expressed confidence in Zaheer

CSK owner Rupa Gurunath also welcomed Zaheer Khan into the team. He said that Zaheer's brilliant cricket career and experience in preparing young players will be very important for CSK.

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CSK Managing Director KS Vishwanathan described Zaheer as a world-class bowler and a good mentor for young cricketers, especially fast bowlers. He said that Zaheer played an important role in the success of Indian cricket in the 2000s and his cricketing mind is very brilliant.

Now in IPL 2027, Zaheer Khan will face the challenge of preparing CSK in a new style. This is a big change in the coaching of the team after a long period of Fleming.