“It Is A Good Decision”: Former Indian Batter Opines On Zaheer Khan’s Recruitment As CSK Head Coach
Wasim Jaffer has tagged the appointment of Zaheer Khan as the coach of CSK as a good decision for the upcoming IPL season. He is very happy with the decision as he loves to see Indians becoming coaches. Mohammad Kaif has also stated the fact that Zaheer didn’t get desired results in LSG, so he has switched to CSK.
Former Indian right handed opening batter Wasim Jaffer has opined on the selection of Zaheer as the new head coach of the Chennai Super Kings for the upcoming 2027 IPL season. He clearly stated this move as a good decision and said that he is very happy with this decision. Jaffer was also surprised at LSG releasing Zaheer Khan but he is happy for the fact that an Indian has taken up the coaching duties.
Speaking in a video, on his YouTube channel, Wasim Jaffer shared his opinion regarding the appointment of Zaheer Khan as the coach of CSK. “It is a good decision. I am always happy when an Indian becomes the coach. Zaheer did well with LSG, actually. I was surprised they let him go. I feel he has got a very wise head on his shoulders and he is very sensible. He understands personalities and is very composed. It does not surprise me. It was about time people made use of him as a bowling coach at some point, but also as a franchise head coach. I am very happy with this decision,” he said.
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“Zaheer worked at LSG but could not get the desired results. So he also has a point to prove that he deserves it. He will want to improve his image. He will also handle a team that has been losing and where Dhoni’s role as a player is now equal to zero. Fleming had that advantage. So it will be challenging for Zaheer. But it will be interesting. Dhoni and Zaheer have also played together and are old friends,” Mohammad Kaif said in a video on his YouTube channel, while focusing on the fact that Zaheer wants to prove himself.
“CSK has a legacy and being a part of the team is a proud moment in itself. But when you join a big team, there is pressure as well. There is responsibility and expectations. The fans will expect that Zaheer will change things that have not worked in the last few years. He does have experience working in the IPL. He has played as well. He is well equipped in every way. I think it is a very good call to get an experienced Indian coach. Usually, foreign coaches get preference, but it is good that Indian coaches are being backed,” he further added.
Zaheer Khan’s tough challenge ahead
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) officially appointed Zaheer Khan as their new head coach for the IPL 2027 season. He succeeds Stephen Fleming, who stepped down after an illustrious 18-year journey with the franchise to take over as England’s men’s Test head coach. The decision marks a major cultural shift for the team, making Zaheer the first-ever Indian head coach in CSK’s history. According to CSK management, the appointment of Zaheer Khan was highly driven by MS Dhoni’s personal recommendation and subsequent consultation with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. Zaheer has initially signed a one-year contract.
Zaheer takes over from Fleming, who managed the franchise from 2009 to 2026 and delivered five IPL titles. Zaheer has extensive experience in franchise management as he had previously served as the Director of Cricket Operations for Mumbai Indians and most recently as a mentor for Lucknow Super Giants, but this will be his first time coaching a side being the head coach. Zaheer will handle a squad that is entering a major transition period, especially since CSK finished ninth in the IPL 2026 season and has missed the playoffs for the last three consecutive years.
Source: www.sportscapemagazine.com
