Ashish Nehra Rejected CSK Head Coach Role; Legend Reveals

Ashish Nehra coaching Gujarat Titans - (Source: AFP)On Monday, September 21, Chennai Super Kings unveiled Zaheer Khan as their next head coach for IPL 2027. The internet went into a frenzy because the 47-year-old was nowhere near to succeed Stephen Fleming. Meanwhile, Ashish Nehra's name has jumped onto the scene as one of the strong names approached for the head coach role.In the latest events, R Ashwin, who has been closely associated with Chennai Super Kings, revealed that Gujarat Titans’ head coach Ashish Nehra was also approached for the head coach role, but Nehra rejected the offer.Ashish Nehra Approached by CSK before Zaheer Khan, reveals R AshwinAshwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, revealed that CSK approached several legends before settling for Zaheer Khan. Ashish Nehra was the biggest name, but the former India left-arm seamer rejected the role because he is content at Gujarat Titans.“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 in a video on his YouTube channel.Ashish Nehra has been associated with the Titans since their inception in IPL 2022. The 47-year-old led the Titans to their maiden IPL title in the first year itself. Since then, GT have qualified for the playoffs thrice and reached the final again in IPL 2026, losing to RCB at their home stadium in Ahmedabad.Zaheer Khan Not the 1st Choice; Several Cricketing legends reject CSKR Ashwin added that besides Ashish Nehra, the five-time IPL winners approached ‘two other Indian legends’ and a few foreigners as well, but the deal couldn’t materialise. “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," Ashwin remarked."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.Also Read: Zaheer Khan At CSK For IPL 2027- Which Indians Have Won IPL Titles As Head Coach?R Ashwin Heaps Massive Praise on Zaheer KhanEventually, CSK have to settle with Zaheer Khan, who agreed for a one-year deal. Notably, CSK are looking at things till the 2028 mega-auction. Nonetheless, R Ashwin has heaped massive praise on the Indian legend who will now work with Men in Yellow for the first time in his career.“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 MS Dhoni is very good. Besides, he is an Indian legend who can work with the boys," Ashwin said."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," he concluded.Zaheer Khan previously worked with MI as their bowling coach, overseeing cricket operations and talent development globally. He then moved to LSG ahead of IPL 2025 as their mentor.Also Read: Ravichandran Ashwin Hammers Indian Batters After Japan Scare