Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Managing Director Kasi Viswanathan has revealed the roles played by former skipper MS Dhoni and current captain Ruturaj Gaikwad in appointing former left-arm seamer Zaheer Khan as their new head coach for the IPL 2027 season.
Speaking in an exclusive interaction with Times of India, Kasi disclosed that Dhoni, Gaikwad and CSK cricket committee members collectively took the decision to appoint the former pacer as their new head coach.
“Dhoni obviously plays a key role in our decision-making process. He, along with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and other members of the cricket committee, concluded that Zaheer is the best man for the job,” Kasi Viswanathan told TOI.
“Zaheer was a world-class bowler and has mentored many young cricketers, especially fast bowlers, over the years. As a player, he was one of the key reasons for India’s success during the 2000s,” Viswanathan added.
On Monday, September 21, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) announced Zaheer Khan as their head coach for the IPL 2027 season. The former left-arm pacer worked in different roles for Mumbai Indians (MI) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the past.
Zaheer worked as Director of Cricket and Global Head at MI from 2018 to 2022. Later, he was roped in by LSG as team mentor from 2024 to 2025. Zaheer featured in 100 IPL matches, taking 102 wickets at 27.27.
“It’s an honour to be a part of one of the most successful teams in the history of the IPL. As a cricketer, I have faced CSK on the field and have thoroughly enjoyed the contests. The atmosphere created by the Superfans at Chepauk make it even more special. I can’t wait to join the legacy franchise with such a rich history,” Zaheer Khan said after his appointment.
