Archive · 10 Oct 2026
What Zaheer Khan Could Bring to CSK in IPL 2027
Chennai Super Kings have chosen Zaheer Khan to be their head coach for IPL 2027.
He takes over after Stephen Fleming left the role.
The team had trouble stopping opponents from scoring quickly near the end of innings in IPL 2026.
Zaheer used to be a fast bowler, so he may help the bowlers improve those overs.
He could also help young Indian players learn and develop.
Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad may get support from Zaheer when making decisions during matches.
MS Dhoni is expected to help with planning too, although the article says it is uncertain whether he will play in 2027.
The article presents these changes as possible ways CSK could improve.
Zaheer Khan has replaced Stephen Fleming as Chennai Super Kings head coach ahead of IPL 2027.
The article says CSK must address costly death-over bowling, after conceding 111 runs from their first 40 death-over balls in IPL 2026 at an economy rate of 16.65.
Zaheer is expected to offer fast-bowling expertise and guidance to players including Anshul Kamboj and Gurjapneet Singh.
His domestic scouting and development experience could support young players such as Ayush Mhatre and Kartik Sharma.
Zaheer could assist captain Ruturaj Gaikwad with bowling changes and in-game decisions; MS Dhoni is also expected to remain involved in team planning.
- Who
- Zaheer Khan and Chennai Super Kings, with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and MS Dhoni also discussed.
- What
- Zaheer has replaced Stephen Fleming as CSK head coach, with the article outlining how he may help the team.
- When
- Ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League season.
- Where
- Chennai Super Kings; the article does not specify a location for the appointment.
- Why
- The article says Zaheer may help improve death-over bowling, develop domestic players and support the captain.
- Team
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Season
- IPL 2027
- New head coach
- Zaheer Khan
- Previous head coach
- Stephen Fleming
- Death-over statistic cited
- CSK conceded 111 runs in their first 40 death-over balls in IPL 2026.
- Death-over economy cited
- 16.65 in those first 40 death-over balls, described as the tournament's worst.
- Captain
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Dhoni's IPL 2027 status
- The article says it is uncertain whether MS Dhoni will play.