Former India pacer Zaheer Khan has described his appointment as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach as a privilege that carries immense responsibility, acknowledging that succeeding outgoing coach Stephen Fleming — under whom the franchise won five IPL titles — will be both challenging and exciting. Zaheer was officially named CSK's new head coach on Monday for IPL 2027, and he spoke about the role for the first time on the franchise's official YouTube channel on Friday, 25 September 2026.

The Appointment and What It Means

'The feeling is still sinking in, I would say. So much love and affection being shown towards me by the fans, by the well-wishers — looking ahead to this special chapter in my cricketing career. It always feels very satisfying and a lot of pressure as well at the same time of responsibilities which I'll be carrying since you're talking about CSK, isn't it?' Zaheer said in the video.

Zaheer, a member of India's 2011 ODI World Cup-winning squad and one of the country's most celebrated left-arm fast bowlers, will take charge of one of the IPL's most storied franchises. His immediate task is to prepare a strategy for the IPL mini auction, scheduled to be held in Goa in December 2026.

How CSK Approached the Hire

Zaheer described the appointment process as refreshingly direct, praising the franchise's clarity and trust. 'The procedure was pretty simple, straightforward, I would say, in a typical CSK fashion. Obviously, MS has been a great force with CSK. It's been very critical in terms of understanding the direction the team should be going,' he said.

He added that franchise owners and CEO Rupa and Mr. Kasi reached out personally. 'We want you — if you're available or not; the availability was checked. I said, yeah, I would love to be part of it. It would be a privilege and an honour,' Zaheer recalled. He noted that the trust shown in him by the management gives him confidence stepping into the role.

Paying Tribute to Fleming and the CSK Legacy

Zaheer was effusive in his praise for Fleming, whose long-standing partnership with captain MS Dhoni is widely credited with making CSK one of the most consistent teams in T20 cricket globally. 'When you talk about Fleming, it's about the consistency and the camaraderie which he's had with MS. It's something which has been very special,' he said.

'CSK has always been a very tough opponent whenever I've been facing them, and that's the legacy which I'm talking about — the brand of cricket was established through years of hard work. It's about protecting that brand and taking things forward from here,' he added. Notably, under Fleming, CSK reached the IPL final on 10 occasions — a record of consistency unmatched in the league's history.

A Personal Connection to Chennai

For Zaheer, the role carries a deeply personal dimension. He spent formative years of his cricketing development in Chennai, training at the renowned MRF Pace Foundation under Australian fast bowling legend Dennis Lillee. 'That pace foundation is something which is very dear to me. Played a huge role in my career and shaped me as a fast bowler. Spending time with Dennis Lillee there — I pretty much spent about 3 years,' he recalled.

He also played league cricket in the city — for the MRF Globe Trotters in the local circuit — staying in Anna Nagar and training in Egmore. 'Chennai has always been very dear to me,' he said, adding that the warmth of the local fans makes the transition feel natural. 'The team and the fans look like a big family, and the togetherness is very special.'

What Comes Next

With the IPL mini auction in Goa in December 2026 approaching, Zaheer's first test as a coach will be in squad-building rather than on the field. How he navigates the auction — and how quickly he can establish his own identity at a franchise long defined by the Fleming-Dhoni axis — will set the tone for IPL 2027.