Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Vishwanathan has revealed that it was legendary MS Dhoni who suggested the name of Zaheer Khan, who has become the new head coach of the CSK franchise. Viswanathan also confirmed that MS Dhoni will play for CSK in IPL 2027.
The 47-year-old Zaheer Khan was director of cricket operations of the Mumbai Indians franchise from 2018 to 2022 for the team of Mumbai Indians and later served as the global head of development. He was also associated with the Lucknow Super Giants as a mentor for one season.
The Indian Express understands Zaheer has been given a one-year contract, open to extension.
“We are pleased to confirm Zaheer Khan as the Head Coach for Chennai Super Kings. Zaheer’s distinguished playing career and proven ability to nurture young talent make him a valuable addition to our setup. We are confident that his guidance will help strengthen the core of this franchise,” CSK owner Rupa Gurunath said, as per the CSK website.
Zaheer, on his appointment, said, "It's an honor to be a part of one of the most successful teams in the history of the IPL. As a cricketer, I have faced CSK on the field and have thoroughly enjoyed the contests. The atmosphere created by the Superfans at Chepauk makes it even more special. I can’t wait to join the legacy franchise with such a rich history.”
After Fleming stepped aside, the franchise wanted an Indian coach and spoke to several candidates, including Hemang Badani, before finalizing Zaheer Khan.
“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,” CSK managing director Kasi Viswanathan told The Indian Express.
MS Dhoni was tasked with finding the next CSK head coach, and he has interacted with several candidates after returning from the USA. He then held a final round of talks with the owners and a few of those in the fray over the last couple of days.
On Dhoni’s own future, Viswanathan said that as things stand, “he is available as a player.”
CSK wanted someone who could solely focus on the franchise in IPL and have no other commitments in other global T20 leagues. Apart from co-owning Antwerp Anchors in the European T20 Premier League, Zaheer has no association with any other global league, which also leaves him time for his family.
“We couldn’t have gotten a better coach than Zaheer. To convince him to take the role wasn’t easy because it took some time, but eventually he agreed to come on board,” Viswanathan said.
Zaheer has asked for time to pick his support staff, and the franchise has agreed.
“He would get to pick his support staff,” Viswanathan said.
While other staff like Sridharan Sriram and Rajiv Kumar are likely to continue in their roles, the franchise is looking for an overseas candidate for one role, probably the batting coach position.
Now, Zaheer has to ensure that retentions take place before the mini-auction in December. CSK have not made it to the playoffs in the last three seasons in a row, and since there has been a dip in their revenues, they need to change their fortunes next year.
(Indian Express inputs)
