Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Subramaniam Badrinath has shared his views on CSK appointing the former left-arm pacer Zaheer Khan as their new head coach for the forthcoming IPL 2027 season.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Badrinath reckoned that Zaheer would be a massive asset for CSK as a head coach, adding that the decision is backed by the former CSK skipper MS Dhoni. He further stated that CSK will stand tall again under the new head coach.
“It is clear that this decision is backed by MS Dhoni. It surely must have been his recommendation. An accomplished and skilful bowler like Zaheer Khan becoming head coach is a big positive for CSK. Dhoni’s decisions will always be well thought out and often right. I believe this Dhoni-Zaheer partnership will get CSK back to winning ways. They have struggled in the last few seasons, but from next season, they’ll stand tall again under Zaheer,” Badrinath said on his YouTube channel.
Further, Badrinath asserted that Zaheer should be placed in the same legendary status as Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Rahul Dravid. It’s worth noting that Zaheer worked in different roles for Mumbai Indians (MI) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). While he was the Director of Cricket and Global Head at MI from 2018 to 2022, he was later roped in by LSG as team mentor from 2024 to 2025.
“What I admired most about him was his ability to give it 100% irrespective of whether it was the old or new ball, a partnership was developing, or if the pitch was flat. I admired his attitude, ability, and tactical acumen. He used to bowl long spells and had great bowling fitness. He must be placed in the same legendary status as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni,” he added.
