Why did Zaheer Khan become the head coach of CSK? Inside story of Dhoni's 'masterstroke' revealed

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Delhi: Chennai Super Kings has selected its new head coach before IPL 2027. Zaheer Khan will now take command of the team in place of Stephen Fleming. However, what is more interesting than Zaheer's appointment is that MS Dhoni played a big role in bringing him to CSK.

After Fleming's long journey of 18 years, CSK was looking for a new coach and during this time Dhoni suggested the name of Zaheer Khan. Now a senior official of the franchise has also confirmed this.

Also read: 5 big reasons why Chennai Super Kings made Zaheer Khan their head coach

Dhoni suggested Zaheer's name

According to the report of The Indian Express, after the departure of Stephen Fleming, Dhoni was given the responsibility of finding his replacement. Dhoni talked to many candidates during this period.

After returning from America after holidays, he held the final round of talks with the owners of CSK and other contenders. In this process, Dhoni put forward the name of Zaheer Khan.

CSK Managing Director Kasi Vishwanathan said that Zaheer's name was suggested by Dhoni and the cricket management team also believed that he would be right for the role.

What kind of coach did CSK want?

Dhoni's choice was not the only reason behind choosing Zaheer. CSK wanted an Indian coach who would focus his entire attention on IPL and would not be in a coaching role with any other franchise in the world.

Zaheer also has good experience of IPL. He has worked with Mumbai Indians as Director of Cricket Operations and Global Head of Development. After this he also remained the mentor of Lucknow Super Giants.

This means that Zaheer has closely understood IPL not only as a player but also by being a part of the team management.

Eye also on preparing young players

CSK has not been able to make it to the playoffs for the last three seasons. In such a situation, the team is now paying more attention to further preparations.

Zaheer's experience of working with young players can be useful here. The franchise needed a coach who, apart from working with the existing players of the team, could also help in preparing a new team for the future. Zaheer has been given a one-year contract, although there is an option to extend it further.

Why couldn't Hemang Badani become a coach?

Before Zaheer, Hemang Badani's name was also much discussed in the race for the new head coach of CSK. According to the report of Times of India, there was no agreement between Badani and the franchise regarding the duration and role of the contract.

Badani initially thought that he would work with different teams of CSK. But this plan changed after the appointment of Albie Morkel as head coach of Joburg Super Kings in the SA20.

Also read: IPL 2027: If Zaheer Khan is the head coach, what will happen to Dhoni? CSK released a big update

Apart from this, CSK was insisting on only one year contract, whereas Badani wanted at least two years, so that enough time could be given to prepare the team afresh.

FAQ

Why did CSK appoint Zaheer Khan as head coach?

Considering Zaheer's IPL experience, ability to work with young players and team management experience, he was given the responsibility of head coach.

Did MS Dhoni suggest Zaheer Khan's name?

According to the report, during the search for Stephen Fleming's successor, MS Dhoni had suggested the name of Zaheer Khan.

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