‘It does not surprise me’ – Wasim Jaffer backs Zaheer Khan’s appointment as CSK head coach

Legendary pacer Zaheer Khan has been appointed as Chennai Super Kings’ head coach for IPL 2027 on a one-year contract, marking his first role as a franchise head coach. The appointment comes after Stephen Fleming’s 16-year tenure with the franchise, during which he delivered five IPL titles. Zaheer’s selection represents a significant change in CSK’s coaching structure as the franchise seeks to rebuild after missing the playoffs since 2024.

Before joining CSK, Zaheer served as mentor to Lucknow Super Giants until September 2025. His experience in high-profile cricket roles spans several years, including his time with Mumbai Indians from 2018 to 2022, where he initially worked as director of cricket operations before transitioning to the role of global head of development. During his tenure at Mumbai, Zaheer worked alongside head coach Mahela Jayawardene during the franchise’s title-winning campaigns in 2019 and 2020.

“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,” Jaffer said on his YouTube channel.

“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 added.

Zaheer Khan’s background and experience

Jaffer’s endorsement highlighted Zaheer’s interpersonal strengths and emotional intelligence as key assets for the role. The former batter emphasised that Zaheer’s ability to understand personalities and maintain composure under pressure made him well-suited for franchise leadership.

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Jaffer also noted that it was overdue for Zaheer to receive recognition at the highest coaching level, having previously contributed to winning teams in support roles. The appointment marks CSK’s first Indian head coach in the franchise’s history, signalling a shift in the organisation’s approach to leadership after more than a decade and a half under Fleming’s guidance.