Chennai Super Kings have finally found Stephen Fleming’s replacement and MS Dhoni reportedly played an important role in bringing Zaheer Khan into the franchise.
CSK confirmed Zaheer Khan’s appointment as their new head coach on Monday, ending their search after Fleming left the franchise following an 18-year association.
According to a leading publication, Dhoni was given the responsibility of finding Stephen Fleming’s replacement. He reportedly spoke with several candidates and held final discussions with the CSK owners and shortlisted candidates after returning from a holiday in the USA. During this process, MS Dhoni put forward Zaheer Khan’s name for the position.
CSK managing director Kasi Viswanathan said that Dhoni suggested Zaheer, while the cricket management team, including Rupa and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, agreed that he was suitable for the role. Zaheer Khan has reportedly signed a one-year contract with CSK, although there is an option to extend the agreement.
His previous IPL experience was also an important reason behind the decision. The 47-year-old worked with Mumbai Indians from 2018 to 2022. He initially served as director of cricket operations before becoming the franchise’s global head of development. Zaheer Khan later joined Lucknow Super Giants as their mentor in 2024.
CSK were reportedly looking specifically for an Indian coach who would concentrate only on the IPL and would not have coaching commitments with other franchises around the world.
Zaheer Khan’s experience in developing players was another major advantage for CSK, especially as the franchise looks to rebuild after missing the playoffs for three consecutive seasons. Before Zaheer’s appointment, Hemang Badani was reportedly considered the front-runner to replace Stephen Fleming. However, negotiations eventually broke down over the length and scope of the contract.
Hemang Badani was initially led to believe that his role could involve working across multiple teams within the CSK franchise. That situation changed after Albie Morkel became the head coach of Joburg Super Kings in the SA20.
Another major sticking point was the contract length. CSK wanted a year-by-year agreement, while Hemang Badani was seeking at least a two-year commitment so he could have enough time to build and reshape the team.
With Zaheer Khan now taking charge, CSK will hope his IPL experience and player-development background can help the franchise rebuild after three consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance.
Let’s see whether Zaheer Khan’s appointment will turn the tables for CSK or not.
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