Zaheer Khan named CSK's head coach for IPL 2027 (Source: CREX Graphic Team)In a move which no one saw it coming, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Monday named Zaheer Khan as their new head coach for IPL 2027. Zaheer, who was previously associated with Mumbai Indians (MI) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), replaced Stephen Fleming on the position and will work alongside MS Dhoni for the five-time champions.Zaheer, one of India’s greatest ever fast bowlers, became only third head coach for CSK, who do not believe in too much chopping and changing for immediate success. However, there are only two occasions in 19 years when an Indian head coach ended up winning the IPL title.Who are they and when these happenings took place? Let’s get into more details.Ashish Nehra - IPL 2022Gujarat Titans made their IPL debut in 2022, with Ashish Nehra being named as their head coach. The decision left many surprised, as Nehra did not have a great portfolio to take up the role.Yet, under Hardik Pandya’s leadership and Shubman Gill’s support, coupled with significant contribution from Mohammed Shami, Rashid Khan, Gujarat Titans, with Nehra as head coach, won IPL trophy in their very first season in the competition.Also Read: How Much Money Do Ricky Ponting, Ashish Nehra, And Other IPL Head Coaches Earn?Gujarat defeated Rajasthan Royals, the inaugural IPL champions, in the final to script history. Alongside Nehra, Vikram Solanki was, and still is, Gujarat’s Director of Cricket, while Gary Kirsten, was their mentor and batting coach.Chandrakant Pandit - IPL 2024After a wait of 10 years, KKR broke the deadlock in IPL 2024 by winning the title. They had won it in 2012 and 2014 when Gautam Gambhir was their captain and Trevor Bayliss being their head coach.People often remember Gambhir turning the tide for KKR, as he joined the Purple and Gold Brigade just before IPL 2024 as a mentor, and gave immediate success under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer. Later on, Gambhir, just after one season, was massively rewarded with India’s full-time head coach role across formats.Sunil Narine, Phil Salt and Mitchell Starc, among others, gave able support to get the job done, but it was Chandrakant Pandit who was their head coach, a position he got from KKR in August 2022.After IPL 2025, Pandit left KKR and Abhishek Nayar replaced him. Unfortunately for them, things have gone downhill for KKR since then.ConclusionNow only time will tell whether Zaheer Khan, who got MS Dhoni's nod for the role, will join this exclusive list in IPL 2027. Not to forget, CSK only gave him an one-year-contract to Zaheer, with an open to extend if things go in a positive direction.Or else, don’t be surprised if the Yellow Brigade get a new head coach before the next IPL mega auction, which will happen before IPL 2028.Also Read: Chamari Athapaththu Livid vs India Women, Smashes Bat And Pads In Anger
