Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have appointed Zaheer Khan as their new head coach for a one-year term for IPL 2027. Zaheer will replace Stephen Fleming in the position, who had been associated with the Yellow Army for the past 19 years as a player and then a coach.

Zaheer brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, having previously served as director of cricket and global head of development for the Mumbai Indians from 2018 to 2022 and as mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants in 2025, although his coaching experience is limited.

Welcoming Zaheer Khan to the CSK fold, the franchise shared a video of the ex-India pacer taking a trip down memory lane. He shared all the major highlights of his amazing career in India, like winning the 2002 NatWest Trophy, being part of India’s run to the 2003 World Cup final, and finally lifting the World Cup in 2011 at the Wankhede Stadium.

Zaheer cherished all of these memories while acknowledging that the time was right to move ahead and the role with CSK in the IPL will be his sternest test.

“The game gave me many chapters. Chapters that tested me. Changed me. And gave me moments I’ll carry for the rest of my life. But the game has never really been about looking back. Because every chapter leads you to the next,” Zaheer Khan said in the video.  

After CSK failed to make it into the IPL playoffs for three consecutive seasons, the franchise management decided to part ways with Stephen Fleming, who helped them win five IPL titles and two Champions League trophies.

CSK last won the IPL in 2023, beating Gujarat Titans in a rain-truncated yet highly exciting final. Expect Zaheer Khan to be at the IPL 2027 auction table when the event happens in Goa in December this year.