Zaheer Khan Replaces Stephen Fleming as CSK Head Coach for IPL 2027

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have appointed former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan as their new head coach for the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, bringing an end to Stephen Fleming’s 16-year tenure at the franchise.

Zaheer, 47, takes over from Fleming, who guided CSK through one of the most successful periods in IPL history and helped the franchise win five titles.

The former India pacer brings extensive experience in coaching and team management, although the CSK role will mark his first appointment as a head coach. Zaheer was most recently associated with Lucknow Super Giants as their mentor before the two parties parted ways in 2025.

Earlier, Zaheer was part of the Mumbai Indians coaching and management setup from 2018 to 2022. He initially served as Director of Cricket Operations before becoming Global Head of Cricket Development as the franchise owners expanded their presence across international T20 leagues.

Zaheer had a distinguished 14-year international career with India and was part of the country's 2011 ODI World Cup-winning team. He also enjoyed a successful IPL career, featuring in 100 matches and taking 102 wickets.

During his time with Mumbai Indians, Zaheer was part of back-to-back IPL title-winning campaigns in 2019 and 2020. He also featured in two IPL finals as a player, in 2010 and 2011, with both matches ending in defeats against CSK.

Speaking after his appointment, Zaheer said he was honoured to join one of the most successful teams in IPL history.

"It's an honour 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 make it even more special. I can't wait to join the legacy franchise with such a rich history."

Zaheer's appointment marks a new chapter for CSK after Fleming's long association with the franchise. The former New Zealand captain had been at the helm since the early years of the IPL, overseeing multiple title-winning campaigns and establishing CSK as one of the competition's most successful teams.

With Zaheer now set to take charge, attention will turn to how the former India fast bowler shapes the squad and coaching setup ahead of IPL 2027.