Zaheer Khan: India career and CSK head-coach appointment

• Zaheer Khan is a former India left-arm fast bowler.
• He played 92 Tests, 200 ODIs and 17 T20Is for India.
• He took 311 Test wickets and 282 ODI wickets.
• He was part of India's 2011 World Cup-winning team.
• Chennai Super Kings appointed him as head coach for IPL 2027, replacing Stephen Fleming.

Who is Zaheer Khan?

Zaheer Khan was one of India's leading fast bowlers of the 2000s and early 2010s. Known for swing bowling, control and effective death-over bowling, he represented India across all three international formats.

He played 92 Tests, 200 One-Day Internationals and 17 T20 Internationals. His record includes 311 Test wickets and 282 ODI wickets.

2011 World Cup

Zaheer was part of India's 2011 World Cup-winning side. He finished that tournament as one of India's key wicket-takers and remains closely associated with the campaign.

Zaheer Khan's IPL playing career

Before entering IPL coaching and management roles, Zaheer represented three franchises: Royal Challengers Bangalore (now Royal Challengers Bengaluru), Mumbai Indians and Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). He also captained Delhi Daredevils. In May 2017, he reached the milestone of 100 IPL wickets while playing for Delhi, according to the IPL's official match statistics.

IPL management and mentoring roles

Mumbai Indians brought Zaheer into their support structure as Director of Cricket Operations in 2018. The franchise subsequently appointed him Global Head of Cricket Development, a role focused on identifying and developing players across its teams.

For the 2025 IPL season, Lucknow Super Giants listed Zaheer as their mentor. These roles followed his playing career and preceded his September 2026 appointment as Chennai Super Kings head coach.

CSK head coach for IPL 2027

Chennai Super Kings announced Zaheer as their head coach for the 2027 IPL season. He succeeds Stephen Fleming, whose long stint with the franchise ended earlier in 2026.

The appointment gives CSK a former India international with experience in IPL support roles. It does not by itself confirm any player selection, retention or auction decision for the 2027 season.

What to watch next

CSK's official channels and the IPL will be the reliable places for coaching-staff announcements and squad updates. Treat social-media claims about specific player moves as unconfirmed unless the franchise or IPL publishes them.