The decision to bring Zaheer on board was heavily driven by Dhoni.
Fromer India pacer Zaheer Khan is stepping into a massive role for the IPL 2027 season, taking over the reins of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as head coach after Stephen Fleming concluded his long-standing coaching tenure with the franchise.
The decision to bring Zaheer on board was heavily driven by MS Dhoni, who preferred a familiar, experienced face to lead the franchise through its next transition phase.
While this marks his first stint as a designated head coach in the IPL, Zaheer has extensive backroom experience. He previously served as the Director of Cricket Operations and Global Head of Development for Mumbai Indians, and most recently worked as a mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants.
CSK have missed out on the playoffs for three consecutive seasons (2024, 2025, and 2026). Therefore, Zaheer's immediate challenge will be collaborating with the CSK management to orchestrate the franchise's retention strategy and blueprint ahead of the critical player auction scheduled for December.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, former India and CSK batter Subramaniam Badrinath backed Zaheer Khan to bring the franchise back to its winning ways.
"It is clear that this decision is backed by MS Dhoni. It surely must have been his recommendation. An accomplished and skillful bowler like Zaheer Khan becoming head coach is a big positive for CSK. Dhoni's decisions will always be well thought out and often right. I believe this Dhoni-Zaheer partnership will get CSK back to winning ways. They have struggled in the last few seasons, but from next season, they'll stand tall again under Zaheer," Zaheer said.
Badrinath also expressed his admiration for Zaheer as a cricketer, stating that the latter deserves the same high respect as icons like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virat Kohli, and MS Dhoni
"What I admired most about him was his ability to give it 100% irrespective of whether it was the old or new ball, a partnership was developing, or if the pitch was flat. I admired his attitude, ability, and tactical acumen. He used to bowl long spells and had great bowling fitness. He must be placed in the same legendary status as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni," Badrinath remarked.
Zaheer Khan represented India in 92 Tests, 200 ODIs and 17 T20Is, claiming a total of 610 international wickets. He was the leading wicket-taker during the historic 2011 World Cup campaign with 21 scalps.