Overview
- CSK announced Zaheer Khan as their head coach on Monday, September 21, 2026, replacing Stephen Fleming after his 18-year association with the team.
- Management said the appointment followed a cricket‑management decision that included MS Dhoni’s recommendation and has the backing of owner Rupa Gurunath and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.
- Reports say Zaheer has been offered an initial one‑year deal with an option to extend and will lead the retention strategy and preparations for the December mini‑auction.
- Zaheer arrives with extensive IPL backroom experience at Mumbai Indians and as an LSG mentor but this will be his first role as a head coach, and he is reported to have been given authority to pick his support staff.
- The change responds to consecutive poor seasons for CSK and puts near‑term pressure on Zaheer to rebuild the squad and coaching setup quickly to return the five‑time champions to playoff contention.