Chennai Super Kings (CSK) explored several options before appointing Zaheer Khan as their head coach for IPL 2027, according to former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Among the names discussed was Gujarat Titans (GT) head coach Ashish Nehra, while Ashwin also revealed that two other Indian legends and several overseas candidates were considered during the search.
Zaheer was appointed after Stephen Fleming’s departure ended his long association with CSK. Fleming stepped away after 18 seasons with the franchise to take up England’s Test coaching role.
Ravichandran Ashwin reveals Ashish Nehra was in the frame
Ashwin made the revelations in a video on his YouTube channel while discussing Zaheer’s appointment.
According to the former CSK player, Nehra was among the candidates considered for the vacant position. Nehra has been the head coach of Gujarat Titans since the franchise entered the IPL and remains contracted with the team.
Ashwin pointed out that Nehra has built a successful setup at GT and therefore did not necessarily need to leave his current position for another IPL franchise.
Nehra guided GT to the IPL title in their debut season in 2022 and has also been part of teams that reached subsequent finals. His coaching record made him a natural name to emerge during CSK’s search.
“There have been conversations with several coaches. In fact, if I’m not wrong, I think Ashish Nehra was also at some stage in the frame. Ashish Nehra doesn’t need to leave GT. He’s running an absolutely successful franchise in GT,” said Ashwin.
However, CSK eventually moved in a different direction and appointed Zaheer.
Two Indian legends and overseas coaches were also considered by CSK
Ashwin’s revelation went beyond Nehra.
The former India spinner said that two other Indian legends were also discussed during CSK’s search. He added that the franchise had conversations with several overseas coaches as well.
According to Ashwin, some potential deals did not materialise because of contractual and professional commitments. In one case, a foreign coach was reportedly unwilling to accept a one-year arrangement because restrictions on working in other international tournaments could have affected his earnings.
Ashwin did not publicly name those overseas candidates, meaning the identities of those coaches remain undisclosed.
“There were a few foreigners whose contracts happened, but the deal couldn’t happen for many reasons. The reasons were very different. In some cases, they were not ready to take a one-year contract. In fact, in one case I know well, the deal was almost done, but his thing was that he couldn’t work in international tournaments other than CSK, because of which he could suffer financially,” he added.
“I think there are two other Indian legends whose contracts also happened.”
The revelation highlights how extensive CSK’s search was before the franchise finally settled on Zaheer.
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Why CSK chose Zaheer Khan?
While discussing the appointment, Ashwin expressed strong support for Zaheer’s selection.
He pointed to Zaheer’s cricket knowledge, understanding of bowling tactics and previous experience in franchise cricket as important qualities. Zaheer has worked in senior cricket-management roles with Mumbai Indians (MI) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), including a stint as LSG’s mentor.
“I think the choice of Zaheer Khan is fabulous. I do not doubt it. He ticks all the boxes. Smart man, knows cricket, knows bowling tactics well, and will blend in nicely. His relationship with Dhoni is very good. Besides, he is an Indian legend who can work with the boys. This will be a new beginning for Zaheer Khan as head coach. But it will be very similar. Dhoni and Zaheer Khan’s rapport is good. I think you can see the team going in one direction; there won’t be a need to pull here and there,” Ashwin concluded.
Zaheer’s previous work in player development and franchise cricket gives him experience beyond his playing career, although IPL 2027 will represent his first opportunity to serve as a franchise head coach.
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