Chennai Super Kings have appointed Zaheer Khan as head coach for IPL 2027, replacing Stephen Fleming after 18 years of association. The change follows three seasons of declining results and triggers a wide backroom overhaul. This article sets out the confirmed staff, the open roles and the performance data behind the decision.
Zaheer Khan Replaces Stephen Fleming
CSK have gone outside their coaching family for the first time in almost two decades. Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan takes over a role Fleming held across 17 seasons in the dugout, after joining the franchise as a player in 2008.
This is Zaheer's first head-coaching role at any level. He has worked as a mentor and bowling coach, most recently with Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025, but has not previously led a coaching setup.
Managing director Kasi Viswanathan said the appointment was discussed and agreed by the franchise's leadership group. He also confirmed that Zaheer's remit covers the IPL only. CSK's ownership also runs teams in SA20 and Major League Cricket, both of which Fleming had coached.
Fleming's Tenure at a Glance
| Metric | Figure |
|---|
| Association with CSK | 18 years (from 2008) |
| Seasons as coach | 17 |
| IPL titles won by the franchise | 5 |
| Fleming stepped down | July 2026 |
| Next role | England men's Test head coach |
CSK Results Since 2024
The scale of the changes reflects three consecutive poor seasons. CSK finished fifth in 2024, tenth in 2025 and eighth in 2026, a notable decline for a five-time champion.
In 2026 the team won six of 14 matches, a win rate of 42.9 percent. That return left them in eighth place and prompted Fleming's departure.
| Season | Final Position |
|---|
| 2024 | 5th |
| 2025 | 10th |
| 2026 | 8th (6 wins in 14 matches) |
The average finishing position across the three seasons is 7.7. For a franchise with five titles, that is a clear shift from its historical standard.
Full CSK Coaching Staff for IPL 2027
The bowling department is the most settled area of the new structure. Mohit Sharma, a former CSK seamer, replaces Eric Simons, who had been with the franchise as bowling coach and consultant for the better part of a decade.
MS Dhoni is reported to be closely involved in shaping the new structure. The overhaul is being described as one of the most extensive backroom changes in IPL history.
| Role | Name | Status |
|---|
| Head coach | Zaheer Khan | Appointed, replaces Stephen Fleming |
| Bowling coach | Mohit Sharma | Appointed, replaces Eric Simons |
| Batting coach | Vacant | Michael Hussey has left |
| Fielding coach | James Foster | Position unresolved after one season |
| Support staff | Sridharan Sriram, Rajiv Kumar | Futures not confirmed |
Batting Coach: Gareth Batty Likely
According to the Times of India, CSK are likely to appoint Englishman Gareth Batty as batting coach. The report says Batty was shortlisted on Zaheer's recommendation, as the two share a rapport from their time at Worcestershire.
Viswanathan told the newspaper that discussions are in progress, negotiations are underway and an announcement is likely in a couple of days. Until it is confirmed, the role remains open.
What the Overhaul Signals
CSK have changed the head coach, the bowling coach and the batting coach in a single cycle. Only the fielding and support roles are still being reviewed, so continuity is limited.
The key variable is Zaheer's lack of head-coaching experience. His bowling and mentoring record at IPL level is established, but the 2027 season will be the first measurable test of his leadership of a full setup.
The benchmark is clear. CSK need to improve on a 42.9 percent win rate and an eighth-place finish to reverse the three-season decline.