Industry Odisha Bureau, Sept 22: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have appointed former India pacer Zaheer Khan as their new head coach. With this, Stephen Fleming has parted ways with the franchise after 18 years.
Zaheer, 47, has signed a one-year contract with the option for an extension. He previously worked with Mumbai Indians from 2018 to 2022, first as director of cricket operations and later as global head of development.
He joined Lucknow Super Giants as a mentor in 2-24 for one season.
CSK managing director Kasi Vishwanathan said MS Dhoni suggested Zaheer Khan for the position. CSK owner Rupa Gurunath and captain Ruturaj Gaikward also agreed that Khan was suitable for the role. Dhoni had been given responsibility for helping identify Fleming’s successor after the former head coach stepped aside.
The franchise had been looking for an Indian coach who would focus solely on the IPL and have no links with other global leagues. Zaheer, a member of India’s 2011 World Cup winning squad, fit that requirement. He will also be allowed to choose his support staff. Sridharan Sriram and Rajiv Kumar are expected to continue in their roles, while CSK is considering an overseas candidate for another coaching position, likely batting coach.
Zaheer said joining CSK was an honour and praised the atmosphere created by the franchise’s supporters at Chepauk.
His immediate task will be to finalise player retention ahead of the December mini-auction. CSK have failed to qualify for the IPL playoffs for three consecutive seasons and will look to rebuild their squad.
Vishwanathan also confirmed that Dhoni remains available as a player for the franchise.
