Zaheer Khan Free To Pick Support Staff For CSK [Source: CREX Graphics]In a major revelation, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said that newly appointed head coach Zaheer Khan will have full authority while picking the support staff for the IPL 2027 season. But so far, no appointments have been finalised.CSK parted ways with Stephen Fleming after 18 years and appointed Zaheer as head coach for the upcoming IPL season. Apparently, Zaheer’s name was recommended by MS Dhoni after a few priority candidates backed out.Zaheer Khan gets full authority from CSKMeanwhile, CSK have begun their preparations for the IPL 2027 season. After Zaheer Khan’s appointment, the next task is to assemble a strong coaching staff.For that, CSK have asked Zaheer to take the lead. While speaking to RevSportz, franchise CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed that Zaheer has been given the freedom to decide who he wants alongside him in the coaching setup.Viswanathan also added that upon the head coach’s recommendation, CSK spoke to pacer Mohit Sharma to offer him the role of bowling coach. However, a deal is yet to be finalised.“Zaheer has been told to pick his support staff, as we (have) said earlier. He will take his time and finalise. We are in talks with Mohit as per Zaheer’s wish, (but it’s) not yet finalised,” Viswanathan said.Also Read - Zaheer Khan Confirms MS Dhoni’s Role In His Appointment As CSK Head CoachAccording to the CEO, CSK will reveal their complete coaching lineup in a week’s time. Once everything is decided, the team will issue an official media release.“Once the entire list is finalised, we will have a media release done. As of now, nobody is confirmed. (It) may take a week to finalise,” he added.Zaheer Khan follows Ashish Nehra’s legacyHaving said that, Zaheer Khan’s appointment as CSK’s head coach for the IPL 2027 season clearly came as a surprise. The franchise had reportedly approached multiple candidates, including Hemang Badani and Mike Hussey.However, upon MS Dhoni’s recommendation, Zaheer got the job. Notably, Zaheer is only the second fast bowler after Ashish Nehra to be appointed as head coach in the IPL.He previously served Mumbai Indians as Director of Cricket Operations and Global Head of Cricket Development. Later, Zaheer Khan joined LSG as mentor from 2024 to 2025.Also Read - Ravi Bishnoi Effects Crazy One Handed Run Out vs Sri Lanka In Asian Games
