CSK explains Zaheer Khan appointment [Source: AFP]Zaheer Khan has been appointed as head coach of the CSK franchise for the IPL 2027 season next year. The sudden announcement came as a surprise for many, with several fans wondering what prompted the franchise to hand the former Indian cricketer the responsibility of leading the league’s most decorated team. The CSK management has now issued an official statement on the appointment, with the franchise’s decision coming after careful consideration of its plans for the upcoming season.CSK owner explains logic behind Zaheer Khan’s appointment as coachIssuing an official statement, CSK owner Rupa Gurunath explained why Zaheer Khan has been named as the new head coach of the franchise. Also Read- "Typical MS Dhoni Move"- Fans React On New CSK Head Coach Zaheer KhanGurunath praised Zaheer’s experience as a player as well as a coach, and his proven track record of nurturing young Indian talents. The CSK owner said “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.”It is worth noting that the 48-year was named CSK head coach as a replacement of former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming, who recently left the CSK coaching staff after nearly two decades at the job.Zaheer Khan named CSK coach on MS Dhoni recommendationApparently, it was former CSK captain MS Dhoni who recommended the franchise to appoint his ex-national teammate Zaheer Khan as new head coach.While speaking to the Indian Express, CSK managing director Kasi Viswanathan explained “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.”Previously, Hemang Badani was among the leading contenders to helm the franchise after Stephen Fleming stepped down from his role. Former all-rounder and franchise zealot Ravichandran Ashwin was also once considered as one of the favorites to enter the team’s coaching staff.What is Zaheer Khan record as coach?Before replacing Stephen Fleming as new head coach of the CSK franchise for IPL 2027, Zaheer Khan has extensively spent time in coaching or management setups for several other IPL teams. For instance, he was named the Director of Cricket for the Mumbai Indians in 2018 before getting promoted to Global Head of Cricket Development in 2022. As Director, he worked closely with the coaching staff of the franchise that lifted the 2019 and 2020 IPL titles. He was also the team mentor of the LSG franchise from mid-2024 till late-2025. With LSG, he was also responsible in direction of team scouting and strategy.Back in 2017, Zaheer Khan was appointed to a bowling consultant role for the Indian cricket team when Ravi Shastri served as national head coach. As a player, Khan lifted the 2011 ICC World Cup under the leadership of MS Dhoni, making his CSK union an expected IPL collaboration with his former skipper.Also Read- First Winners Of Each Major T20 League
