Zaheer Khan is the new head coach of Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2027. CSK announced his appointment on September 21, 2026, as he replaced Stephen Fleming, who had served as the franchise’s head coach since 2009. This marks the first change in the CSK head coach position since Fleming took charge ahead of IPL 2009.
The appointment makes Zaheer the new CSK head coach 2027, bringing his international playing career and IPL management experience to the role.
This article covers the Chennai Super Kings head coach history, Zaheer Khan’s experience, his expected role, and what the change means for IPL 2027.
CSK Head Coach 2027: Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
| CSK head coach | Zaheer Khan |
| Season | IPL 2027 |
| Appointment date | 21 September 2026 |
| Previous head coach | Stephen Fleming |
| Zaheer’s previous IPL roles | Director of Cricket Operations, Mumbai Indians; Global Head of Development, Mumbai Indians; Mentor, Lucknow Super Giants |
| First head coach | Kepler Wessels |
| Longest-serving head coach | Stephen Fleming |
Who Is the Current Head Coach of CSK?
Zaheer Khan is the current CSK head coach, having been appointed by Chennai Super Kings on September 21, 2026, ahead of the IPL 2027 season. He replaces Stephen Fleming, who stepped down after serving as CSK’s head coach from 2009 to 2015 and again from 2018 to 2026.
The appointment marks Zaheer’s first full-time head-coaching role in the IPL. Before joining CSK, he gained franchise management experience with Mumbai Indians, where he served as Director of Cricket Operations and later Head of Global Development.
He also worked as a mentor with Lucknow Super Giants. These roles gave him experience in player development, franchise operations and team support structures. Zaheer will now take charge as the new coach of the CSK setup from IPL 2027, with his responsibilities extending beyond the bowling group to the team’s overall coaching and development structure.
What Coaching Experience Does Zaheer Khan Have?
Zaheer Khan’s coaching experience comes mainly from franchise management, player development, and mentoring rather than a previous head-coaching role. His first major post-playing IPL role came with Mumbai Indians, where he was appointed Director of Cricket Operations in December 2018.
In September 2022, he moved into the role of Global Head of Cricket Development, focusing on talent development across the Mumbai Indians network.
In August 2024, Lucknow Super Giants appointed Zaheer as their mentor for IPL 2025. His role involved guiding the squad and working with the coaching setup, but he was not the team’s head coach.
| Team | Role | Period | Main responsibilities |
| Mumbai Indians | Director of Cricket Operations | 2018–2021 | Cricket operations, talent development and strategic planning |
| Mumbai Indians | Global Head of Cricket Development | 2022–2024 | Overseas Cricket development |
| Lucknow Super Giants | Mentor | 2024–2025 | Squad guidance, player support and cricket planning |
| Chennai Super Kings | Head coach | 2027 onwards | Overall team preparation, coaching and strategy |
A director operates at the broader franchise-management level, a mentor provides guidance and support to players and the coaching group, while a head coach carries primary responsibility for the team’s coaching structure, preparation and on-field strategy. CSK therefore represents Zaheer’s first full-time head coach appointment in the IPL.
What Can Zaheer Khan Bring to CSK?
Zaheer Khan brings nearly two decades of IPL experience across playing, captaincy, management and mentoring. His understanding of Indian cricket and franchise systems could help CSK develop its next squad while building a strong team environment. Here’s what he brings as a head coach:
Bowling Knowledge
Zaheer Khan has been part of the IPL since 2008, across playing, captaincy, management and mentoring roles. His 610 international wickets and 102 IPL wickets underline the experience he can bring to CSK’s bowling group. His understanding of Indian conditions could also help bowlers adapt their lengths, variations and plans to different pitches and conditions.
IPL Management Experience
Zaheer has worked with Mumbai Indians in senior management and with Lucknow Super Giants as a mentor, while also captaining Delhi Daredevils. His first full-time head-coaching role means he now moves from a supporting position to overseeing the wider coaching setup and squad. He has reportedly signed a one-year contract, open to extension.
Understanding Indian Players
His long involvement in Indian cricket and the IPL could help CSK identify domestic talent and develop its next squad. His experience across different IPL environments may also help create a team environment where players can communicate openly and develop together.
The Main Concern
This is Zaheer’s first full-time head-coach role. Managing an entire coaching staff and building team processes is different from mentoring players or contributing to recruitment. His effectiveness in the role can only be assessed once CSK begin playing under him in IPL 2027.
Why Did Zaheer Khan Replace Stephen Fleming?
Stephen Fleming’s departure ended an 18-year association with Chennai Super Kings. After missing the playoffs for three consecutive seasons and finishing 10th in 2025 and eighth in 2026, CSK opted for a change in coaching direction. Fleming’s exit closed one of the longest chapters in IPL coaching, with the franchise now looking to reshape its setup ahead of IPL 2027.
The search for his successor became something of a game of musical chairs, with several names entering the conversation before the position eventually landed with Zaheer Khan. Hemang Badani was among those in contention, while overseas options were also discussed. CSK ultimately settled on Zaheer, whose IPL experience with Mumbai Indians and LSG suited the franchise’s preference for an Indian-led setup.
His appointment as CSK’s new head coach makes him the third head coach in the franchise’s history and marks his replacement of Stephen Fleming ahead of the 2027 season.
What Is Zaheer Khan’s Salary as CSK Head Coach?
CSK have not officially disclosed Zaheer Khan’s salary as head coach at the time of writing. Reports have discussed possible figures and comparisons with previous CSK coaching packages, but these remain unconfirmed and should not be presented as Zaheer’s actual salary. The franchise has confirmed his appointment on a one-year contract, open to extension, but has not publicly disclosed the financial terms.
Complete List of CSK Head Coaches
| Head coach | Seasons | Major achievements |
| Kepler Wessels | 2008 | Led CSK to their first IPL final |
| Stephen Fleming | 2009–2015, 2018–2026 | Five IPL titles, two Champions League T20 titles and nine IPL final appearances |
| Zaheer Khan | 2027 onwards | Yet to begin his first season |
Kepler Wessels was the first coach of CSK, taking charge in the inaugural 2008 season when the franchise reached the final. Stephen Fleming then took over in 2009 and became the franchise’s longest-serving head coach. Under Fleming, CSK won five IPL titles and reached nine IPL finals, along with two Champions League T20 titles.
CSK did not compete in the 2016 and 2017 IPL seasons because the franchise was suspended for those two editions. Fleming therefore had two separate spells as head coach, returning when CSK re-entered the competition in 2018.
With Zaheer taking charge in 2027, the CSK head coach list now contains three names. He becomes the third head coach in franchise history and the CSK coach before Zaheer Khan, Fleming, leaves after an 18-year association with the franchise.
Keppler Wessels: CSK’s First Head Coach
Keppler Wessels was the first head coach of Chennai Super Kings, leading the team during the inaugural IPL season in 2008. The former South Africa captain, who had also represented Australia, was appointed on a one-year contract before the tournament.
Under Wessels, CSK won nine of their 16 matches and reached the first IPL final. They finished third in the league stage before defeating Kings XI Punjab in the semi-final. Their campaign ended with a three-wicket defeat to Rajasthan Royals in the final.
Wessels left CSK after that season, with Stephen Fleming taking over as head coach in 2009. Although his tenure lasted only one campaign, Wessels guided CSK to their first final and helped establish the team as an immediate IPL contender.
Stephen Fleming’s Record as CSK Head Coach
Stephen Fleming became the CSK head coach ahead of IPL 2009 and remained in charge through the 2026 season, excluding the two years when CSK were suspended. Across 16 IPL seasons under Fleming, Chennai played 252 matches, winning 139 and losing 110, while three produced no result.
Under his leadership, CSK qualified for the playoffs 11 times and reached nine IPL finals. They won five titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023, while finishing runners-up four times. Fleming also guided CSK to two Champions League T20 titles in 2010 and 2014, taking his overall trophy count with the franchise to seven.
| Record | Figure |
|---|---|
| IPL seasons as head coach | 16 |
| IPL matches | 252 |
| Wins | 139 |
| Losses | 110 |
| No results | 3 |
| Win percentage | 55.16% |
| Playoff qualifications | 11 |
| IPL finals | 9 |
| IPL titles | 5 |
| IPL runner-up finishes | 4 |
| Champions League T20 titles | 2 |
| Total major trophies | 7 |
Note: These match figures cover only IPL games played under Fleming. They exclude CSK’s 2008 season under Kepler Wessels and all Champions League T20 matches.
FAQs About the CSK Head Coach
Who is the CSK head coach for IPL 2027?
Zaheer Khan is the CSK head coach for IPL 2027. Chennai Super Kings appointed the former India fast bowler on 21 September 2026, replacing Stephen Fleming. The role marks Zaheer’s first full-time head-coaching position in the IPL after management and mentoring assignments.
When was Zaheer Khan appointed CSK head coach?
Chennai Super Kings appointed Zaheer Khan as their new head coach on 21 September 2026. He will take charge of the team from IPL 2027, following the end of Stephen Fleming’s long tenure with the franchise.
Who did Zaheer Khan replace as CSK coach?
Zaheer Khan replaced Stephen Fleming as CSK head coach. Fleming led Chennai from 2009 to 2015 and again from 2018 to 2026, winning five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 trophies during his time in charge.
Has Zaheer Khan previously worked as a head coach?
No, Zaheer Khan had not previously worked as a full-time head coach in the IPL. Before joining CSK, he held senior management and player-development roles with Mumbai Indians and later served as mentor of Lucknow Super Giants. CSK is his first full-time head-coaching assignment.
Who was the CSK head coach in 2026?
Stephen Fleming was the CSK head coach during IPL 2026. It was his final season in charge before he and the franchise mutually ended their long association. Zaheer Khan was later appointed as his replacement for IPL 2027.
Who was the first head coach of CSK?
Kepler Wessels was the first head coach of Chennai Super Kings. He led the franchise during the inaugural IPL season in 2008, when CSK reached the final before losing to Rajasthan Royals. Stephen Fleming replaced him ahead of IPL 2009.
How many head coaches have CSK had?
CSK have had three head coaches since their first IPL season: Kepler Wessels in 2008, Stephen Fleming from 2009 to 2015 and 2018 to 2026, and Zaheer Khan from IPL 2027. CSK did not compete in 2016 and 2017.
How many trophies did CSK win under Stephen Fleming?
CSK won seven major trophies under Stephen Fleming. These included five IPL titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023, along with two Champions League T20 titles in 2010 and 2014. They also finished as IPL runners-up four times during his tenure.
