Zaheer Khan takes over as CSK head coach for IPL 2027 after Stephen Fleming leaves for England’s Test job, ending a near-two-decade association
New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings have appointed former India pacer Zaheer Khan as their new head coach for IPL 2027, replacing Stephen Fleming. The change comes after Fleming decided to take charge of England’s Test team following his long association with CSK. Fleming joined the franchise as a player in 2008 and became head coach a year later, bringing one of the longest coaching runs in IPL history to an end. Zaheer now takes charge as CSK look to start a new chapter under captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.
CSK names Zaheer Khan as new head coach
CSK confirmed Zaheer’s appointment on Monday, September 21, ahead of the 2027 season. The franchise announced the move on social media with the line, “Left Arm ‘Taking’ Over!”
Zaheer will replace Fleming after the New Zealand great stepped away from the CSK role to become England’s Test head coach. Ruturaj Gaikwad will continue as CSK captain, giving the franchise some continuity even as the coaching structure changes.
The appointment also gives Zaheer his first head-coaching role at this level. His previous franchise work has involved cricket operations, mentoring, scouting and player development rather than leading an IPL team as head coach.
The end of an era: Stephen Fleming’s long run with CSK
Fleming’s CSK story began in 2008 when he joined the team as a player. He took over as head coach in 2009 and remained at the helm for close to two decades.
During that period, CSK became one of the IPL’s defining teams. Under Fleming and MS Dhoni, the franchise won five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 trophies. CSK’s five IPL championships put them level with Mumbai Indians for the most titles in the competition’s history.
CSK’s recent results, however, have been less consistent. The franchise missed the playoffs in multiple recent seasons and finished eighth in IPL 2026. Those results form part of the wider context around the coaching change, but Fleming’s move to England remains the primary reason for his departure.
Why Fleming is stepping away
Fleming is leaving CSK to take up the England men’s Test head coach position. England appointed him in July, and he has already started work on the team’s red-ball setup.
That means CSK’s coaching change should not be viewed simply as a reaction to their recent league finishes. Fleming’s decision also reflects an opportunity to take charge of an international Test side after years in franchise cricket.
His departure closes one of the most enduring coach-team partnerships in T20 cricket.
Zaheer Khan’s journey to this role
Zaheer built his reputation as one of India’s finest left-arm fast bowlers. He represented India across formats and played a key role in the 2011 ODI World Cup triumph, taking 21 wickets during the tournament. LSG described him as a bowler capable of swinging the new ball and reversing the old.
After retirement, Zaheer moved steadily into cricket management. His first major IPL administration role came with Mumbai Indians, where he worked as Director of Cricket before becoming the franchise’s Head of Global Development.
What Zaheer brings from his playing days
Zaheer’s biggest strength comes from his understanding of pressure cricket. He played 92 Tests, 200 ODIs and 17 T20Is for India and finished his international career with 597 wickets. He also played 100 IPL matches and took 102 wickets.
His experience extends beyond numbers. Zaheer spent years handling different bowling conditions, reading batters and adapting plans during high-pressure matches. Those experiences could now shape his approach from the coaching box.
His time with Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants
Zaheer spent five seasons with Mumbai Indians’ management setup from 2018 to 2022. He first worked as Director of Cricket Operations and later moved into the franchise’s global development structure.
He then returned to the IPL ecosystem with Lucknow Super Giants as their mentor ahead of IPL 2025. LSG brought him into a backroom group led by head coach Justin Langer.
His CSK appointment therefore marks the next major step in a post-playing career that has increasingly focused on strategy, talent and team management.
What CSK have said — and what Zaheer said
CSK presented Zaheer’s appointment as the start of a new chapter while welcoming a former India great into the franchise.
Zaheer, meanwhile, described the opportunity as an honour and highlighted the atmosphere created by CSK supporters at Chepauk. He also spoke about his previous experiences facing the franchise as a player.
The appointment reportedly has the backing of CSK’s senior management, including CEO Kasi Viswanathan and owner Rupa Gurunath.
The “El Clásico” angle: MI’s man now leading CSK
Zaheer’s Mumbai Indians connection adds an extra layer to the appointment.
MI and CSK have developed the IPL’s most famous franchise rivalry, with the two teams sharing the record for five IPL titles each. Their meetings have often carried the weight of an “El Clásico” in Indian cricket.
Zaheer now moves from a franchise that became CSK’s biggest rival to the CSK dugout itself. His years inside Mumbai’s cricket structure give him a close understanding of how one of the league’s strongest organisations operates.
What’s next for CSK ahead of IPL 2027
Zaheer’s immediate task will involve understanding his new squad, working with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and establishing his coaching approach. CSK will also have to adjust to life without Fleming, whose methods shaped the team for years.
The franchise has not publicly confirmed wider changes to its backroom staff or specific auction plans, so those details remain outside the confirmed picture.
For now, the headline change is clear: Zaheer Khan takes over, while Fleming begins a new chapter with England.
CSK’s next era will begin with a familiar IPL name in an unfamiliar yellow role. Zaheer now has the task of building his own chapter in one of the league’s most established franchises.
