# Zaheer Khan named CSK head coach, replaces Stephen Fleming

2026-09-26T03:31:31+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 4 independent outlets

Zaheer Khan has been appointed as the head coach of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on a one-year contract, replacing Stephen Fleming who coached the franchise for 16 seasons. The former India pacer will take charge for IPL 2027. Zaheer previously served as Mumbai Indians' director of cricket operations and as mentor for Lucknow Super Giants. This is his first head coach role in the IPL. Former India batter Wasim Jaffer praised the decision, saying he is happy to see an Indian professional enter a coaching setup. Jaffer expressed surprise that Lucknow Super Giants released Zaheer after just one year, calling him a sensible person who understands personalities well. CSK have not reached the playoffs since winning the IPL title in 2023. Zaheer acknowledged the pressure of succeeding Fleming, calling it a huge responsibility. He said his onboarding process was simple and that MS Dhoni's guidance will be crucial. The 47-year-old said he wants youngsters to balance technology with on-ground thinking and situational awareness.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

All four sources reported the appointment in straight news style, with no discernible slant. Times Now focused on Jaffer's endorsement of an Indian coach, while The Hindu and NDTV led with Zaheer's own words about the challenge of replacing Fleming. Zee News was inaccessible. The coverage is uniform, treating the story as a routine franchise appointment. The key metric to watch is CSK's performance in IPL 2027, which will determine whether Zaheer's contract is extended beyond one year.

## Coverage

- timesnownews.com (neutral report) <https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/very-pleased-with-decision-wasim-jaffer-reacts-to-zaheer-khan-appointment-as-csk-head-coach-article-156222125>
  Straight news report centred on Jaffer's positive reaction
- sportstar.thehindu.com (neutral report) <https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/zaheer-khan-new-csk-head-coach-ipl-replace-stephen-fleming-chennai-super-kings/article71508680.ece>
  Straight news led with Zaheer's own comments on the challenge
- sports.ndtv.com (neutral report) <https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/zaheer-khan-reveals-ultimate-challenge-of-becoming-csk-head-coach-lot-of-pressure-responsibilities-12098057#publisher=newsstand>
  Brief straight news focusing on Zaheer's pressure remark
- zeenews.india.com (neutral report) <https://zeenews.india.com/cricket/csk-head-coach-zaheer-khan-opens-up-on-stephen-fleming-s-legacy-ipl-2027-challenge-and-new-role-3073292.html>
  Page returned error, no article text available

Tags: Chennai Super Kings, IPL, MS Dhoni, Stephen Fleming, Zaheer Khan
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