Ex-India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bowler R Ashwin has shared some revealing information about why things didn’t work out between CSK and Ashish Nehra during their hunt for a new head coach. CSK had parted ways with Stephen Fleming after 18 years of association and was looking for someone new to take over.

As per Ashwin, Nehra, who is currently the head coach of the Gujarat Titans, "does not need" to change his affiliations since he is doing quite well in his career in Ahmedabad.

Nehra is seen as one of the most intelligent coaches in India. His methods have been termed conventional and practical, and he has already won a title in his first season as GT coach and made it to the finals and playoffs in the next three seasons.

“There have been conversations with several coaches. In fact, if I’m not wrong, I think Ashish Nehra was also at some stage in the frame. Ashish Nehra doesn’t need to leave GT. He’s running an absolutely successful franchise in GT,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Ashwin, who spent most of his IPL career at CSK, said ‘two other Indian legends’ were also in the frame for the job.

“I think there are two other Indian legends whose contracts also happened. There were a few foreigners whose contracts happened, but the deal couldn’t happen for many reasons. The reasons were very different. In some cases, they were not ready to take a one-year contract. In fact, in one case I know well, the deal was almost done, but his thing was that he couldn’t work in international tournaments other than CSK, because of which he could suffer financially," Ashwin added.

Meanwhile, CSK unveiled Zaheer Khan as their new head coach for the upcoming IPL 2027 edition. Zaheer Khan was previously associated with the Mumbai Indians and the Lucknow Super Giants. Zaheer Khan has signed a one-year contract with CSK, who are hoping that a lack of coaching experience won’t work against him.

Ashwin called Zaheer Khan’s appointment a fabulous choice.

“I think the choice of Zaheer Khan is fabulous. I do not doubt it. He ticks all the boxes. Smart man, knows cricket, knows bowling tactics well, and will blend in nicely. His relationship with Dhoni is very good. Besides, he is an Indian legend who can work with the boys… This will be a new beginning for Zaheer Khan as head coach. But it will be very similar. Dhoni and Zaheer Khan’s rapport is good. I think you can see the team going in one direction; there won’t be a need to pull here and there,” Ashwin concluded.  

CSK will hope that Zaheer Khan will reenergize the team, as they have not qualified for the playoffs since winning the IPL 2023.