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CSK appoints Zaheer Khan head coach for IPL 2027

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 4:04 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Chennai Super Kings appointed former India pacer Zaheer Khan as head coach for IPL 2027.
He replaces Stephen Fleming, who coached the franchise from 2009 to 2026.
Zaheer signed a one-year contract and may choose his own support staff.
CSK missed the playoffs from 2024 to 2026, finishing eighth in 2026, prompting the change.

History

Historical Context

In 1999, John Buchanan became head coach of the Australian cricket team, steering them to a historic World Cup triumph. Buchanan’s tenure produced three consecutive World Cup titles (1999, 2003, 2007) with a 90% win-rate across 30 matches. After Chennai Super Kings missed IPL playoffs for three seasons (2024-2026) and finished eighth in 2026, they replaced Stephen Fleming with pacer Zaheer Khan for 2027. The move echoes Buchanan’s impact, as CSK hopes Khan’s leadership will revive championship form and re-energize the franchise’s fan base.

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Story summary

Chennai Super Kings appointed former India pacer Zaheer Khan as head coach for IPL 2027.
He replaces Stephen Fleming, who coached the franchise from 2009 to 2026.
Zaheer signed a one-year contract and may choose his own support staff.
CSK missed the playoffs from 2024 to 2026, finishing eighth in 2026, prompting the change.

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