Zaheer Khan's CSK Head Coach Appointment Questioned. Image Credits: AFPCSK have appointed former India pacer Zaheer Khan as their new head coach, replacing Stephen Fleming after the IPL 2026 season. The move marks a major change for the franchise ahead of a crucial new chapter.However, Zaheer Khan’s appointment as CSK head coach has now been questioned by Sadagoppan Ramesh. While praising Zaheer’s credentials, Ramesh has raised concerns over the move and explained why CSK may have taken a significant gamble.Sadagoppan Ramesh Raises Concerns Over Zaheer Khan’s CSK AppointmentZaheer Khan has been appointed as the head coach of CSK and will take up the role on a one-year contract, with CSK announcing the move on Monday, September 21. CSK fans appeared excited by the development and will be eager to see the franchise play under his helm. However, former Indian cricketer Sadagoppan Ramesh has questioned Zaheer Khan’s appointment as CSK’s head coach, expressing concerns over the decision on his Instagram channel.“Zaheer was a great cricketer and a fantastic bowler. But his only coaching experience has been working in the cricketing operations for MI from 2018 to 2022 and one year with LSG as mentor. However, this is the first time he will be the head coach of an IPL franchise. So we have to keep our fingers crossed,” Ramesh said. Also Read: Hemang Badani Rejected CSK Coaching Role Due To One Big ObstacleRamesh’s comments centre on Zaheer Khan’s lack of previous experience as an IPL head coach, despite his extensive playing career and coaching-related roles. His remarks underline the uncertainty surrounding how Zaheer will handle his first full-time head-coaching assignment for CSK.Ramesh Compares Zaheer Khan’s CSK Appointment With Ashish Nehra’s GT SuccessCSK will notably have an Indian head coach for the first time after Kepler Wessels (2008) and Stephen Fleming (2009-2026). Ramesh believes CSK may have looked at Ashish Nehra’s success with Gujarat Titans before going for their first ever Indian head coach in Zaheer Khan.“Finally, CSK has an Indian head coach for the first time. They have finally gone from a foreign coach mentality to an Indian coach mentality. I feel CSK saw the success of Ashish Nehra with GT and wanted to try something similar with the appointment of Zaheer Khan to see if it can spark a turnaround,” Ramesh added.Ramesh’s comparison points towards Gujarat Titans’ successful model, with Ashish Nehra guiding the team to three IPL finals in five seasons, including the title-winning campaign in 2022. He believes Zaheer’s appointment could be CSK’s attempt to replicate that approach.Zaheer Khan Faces Massive Challenge To Rebuild CSKZaheer Khan will have a massive challenge ahead as he looks to rebuild CSK after their struggles in recent years. Ramesh’s concerns stem from Zaheer taking charge of an IPL franchise as head coach for the first time.Zaheer has previously worked with Mumbai Indians in cricketing operations and was part of their title-winning setup, besides serving as a mentor with Lucknow Super Giants. However, he has never previously held the IPL head coach role.The challenge becomes bigger with CSK looking to revive their fortunes in IPL 2027 after failing to make the playoffs in the last three editions. With Zaheer entering his first head-coaching stint, Ramesh’s questions underline the expectations surrounding his appointment.Also Read: India Women Create World Record vs Sri Lanka In Asian Games 2026
