Very Pleased With Decision: Wasim Jaffer Reacts To Zaheer Khan Appointment As CSK Head Coach

Zaheer Khan has joined CSK as their head coach. Photo: BCCI

Zaheer Khan will return to IPL as the head coach of Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The former India pacer has worked with Mumbai Indians (MI) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the past. In IPL 2027, it will be the first time that Zaheer will perform the duties of a head coach. He will replace Stephen Fleming, who coached CSK from 2009 to 2026. Wasim Jaffer was elated with Zaheer's appointment as CSK's head coach, but he wasn't surprised that franchises were using his services.

"It is a good decision. I am always happy when an Indian becomes a coach because I want to see Indian players and Indian professionals coming into coaching setups. I really liked what Zaheer did at LSG. To be honest, I was very surprised that LSG released him after just one year. I feel he has a very wise head on his shoulders. He is a very sensible person and understands personalities very well," Jaffer said on his YouTube channel.

"So it doesn't surprise me that people are now using Zaheer Khan as a coach. He can be a bowling coach at some point, but he can also be a franchise head coach. So I am very happy. I was genuinely very pleased with this decision," he added.

For now, CSK have offered a one-year contract to the former India pacer. It could be extended should CSK perform well in IPL 2027. They haven't made it to the second round since winning the IPL 2023 trophy.

Stephen Fleming-coached CSK won 5 IPL titles. Photo: BCCI

Stephen Fleming coached CSK in record-breaking 16 seasons. He played under MS Dhoni in IPL 2008 before retiring from IPL. He replaced Kepler Wessels as CSK's head coach before IPL 2009 and worked with them till 2026.

Fleming and MS Dhoni shared a strong bond and the former CSK head coach followed him at Rising Pune Supergiant for IPL 2016 and 2017. He returned to CSK along with Dhoni in 2018 and coached them till 2026. Fleming-coached CSK won five IPL titles.

Disclaimer: This article summarizes a report by Wasim Jaffer. While Times Now has verified the public data presented, the interpretations of 'intent' remain those of the creator.

Rishav Narang is an experienced writer with nine years of experience in sports journalism. He extensively writes on cricket and covers live matches, b...