Zaheer Khan and Suresh Raina [Source: X, AFP]The CSK franchise stunned one and all earlier this week by appointing Zaheer Khan as their new head coach. The champion Indian fast bowler pipped competition from fellow coaches like Hemang Badani to replace Stephen Fleming as the new head coach of the five-time title-winning franchise.While the CSK management has since explained the process behind their big decision, former cricketer and franchise zealot Suresh Raina has now dropped his first official reaction to his ex-national teammate’s sudden ascension.Suresh Raina welcomes World Cup winning teammate to his IPL kingdomSuresh Raina, one of CSK’s greatest players of all time, has now dropped his first official reaction over the appointment of Zaheer Khan as new head coach of the team. After Stephen Fleming stepped out of the role, the franchise seemingly opted for Indian presence at the head of the coaching staff. Since negotiations with Hemang Badani fell through, the franchise opted for the former Indian fast bowler and ex-LSG mentor.Also Read- "Typical MS Dhoni Move"- Fans React On New CSK Head Coach Zaheer KhanWelcoming Zaheer into the CSK coaching set-up, Raina took to his social media account and wrote “A new era begins. Welcome to CSK, Zaheer Khan. Wishing you a fantastic journey ahead.”Chennai Super Kings @ChennaiIPL From Chinna Thala, with Yellove, to ZAK 💛🥳 #WhistlePodu #Yellove Sep 22, 2026, 9:23 AM It is worth noting that Suresh Raina is not only one of CSK’s greatest and most-capped cricketers of all time, but the explosive middle-order batter was also teammates with Zaheer in the Indian team that lifted the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. Considering his own history with CSK and past association with Khan, one can understand why Suresh Raina was among the first former players to welcome the appointment.CSK owner explains why franchise opted for Zaheer KhanShortly after confirming Zaheer Khan as new head coach of the franchise, CSK owner Rupa Gurunath explained the former fast bowler was preferred owing to his seniority and proven track record of mentoring 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.”CSK managing director Kasi Viswanathan also revealed that it was former CSK skipper MS Dhoni who suggested Zaheer to the management. Notably, it was MS Dhoni who led the Indian team to a historic win at the 2011 World Cup, while Zaheer was his most trusted pace exponent for picking up the highest number of wickets in the tournament. Suresh Raina, meanwhile, unleashed crucial match-winning knocks in the quarterfinal and the semifinal of the same World Cup. What can CSK expect from coach Zaheer KhanGiven his prior coaching and management experience with Mumbai Indians and LSG, fans of the CSK franchise will be hoping Zaheer Khan can bring his tactical expertise and player development to the five-time champions.His experience in working closely with young Indian cricketers could also prove valuable as CSK look to build their next generation of stars.The CSK franchise was also in dire need of an Indian head coach, considering under Stephen Fleming, the team has not reached the playoffs since lifting the 2023 title in Ahmedabad.Also Read- Sano International Cricket Ground Weather Update As India vs Japan Toss Delayed
