New Delhi, September 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Mahendra Singh Dhoni was part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) cricket management group that decided to appoint former India pacer Zaheer Khan as the franchise’s new head coach, managing director Kasi Viswanathan said on Monday.
Five-time IPL champions CSK named the 47-year-old Zaheer as their head coach for the 2027 season, filling the position vacated by Stephen Fleming after the former New Zealand captain ended his 18-year association with the franchise.
CSK’s cricket management also includes owner Rupa Gurunath and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. Viswanathan said the management considered Zaheer’s experience and extensive IPL background before settling on him.
“The cricket management took this decision. They wanted Mr. Zaheer Khan as the head coach based on his experience. He has played over 100 games in IPL and was an all-round player,” Viswanathan told IANS.
“Definitely, he (MS Dhoni) was part of the decision when this was taken. Without his advice, we don’t do anything,” he added.
Asked about Dhoni’s future as a player after the veteran did not feature for CSK during IPL 2026 due to fitness issues, Viswanathan said, “He continues to be a player for us. That is the only thing I can say.”
Viswanathan also confirmed that Zaheer would have complete authority over the selection of his support staff.
“He will decide on the support staff,” he said.
CSK’s current support staff includes Mike Hussey, Sridharan Sriram, Rajiv Kumar, Eric Simons and James Foster.
A member of India’s 2011 ODI World Cup-winning squad, Zaheer previously worked as Director of Cricket Operations and Head of Global Development at Mumbai Indians from 2018 to 2022 before joining Lucknow Super Giants as a mentor in IPL 2025.
During his IPL playing career, the left-arm pacer represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals. He took 102 wickets in 100 IPL matches at an average of 27.27.
The CSK appointment marks Zaheer’s first stint as head coach of a cricket team. His current franchise commitments outside coaching include ownership stakes in Antwerp Anchors in Belgium’s European T20 Premier League, Jaffna Kings in Sri Lanka’s Lanka Premier League and Vancouver Anchors in Canada’s Super60 league.
Viswanathan declined to disclose details of the negotiations that preceded Zaheer’s appointment.
“That is the process everybody goes through. Those are all things which we need not tell,” he said.
Zaheer’s first major assignment will be to assess CSK’s retention plans and identify targets ahead of the IPL mini-auction scheduled for December. CSK have missed the playoffs for three successive seasons and will look to rebuild ahead of the 2027 campaign, which precedes the next mega auction.
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