Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have made big changes to their coaching setup ahead of the IPL 2027 season. The five-time IPL champions have brought in former India pacers Zaheer Khan as head coach and Mohit Sharma as bowling coach.
However, former CSK batter S Badrinath has raised doubts over the new appointments. He feels Mohit is still a newcomer in coaching and believes that the former Indian fast bowler’s strong connection with MS Dhoni could have played a role in his selection as the bowling coach. Amid this, Hardik Pandya’s IPL 2027 trade saga takes new turn as franchise shows fresh interest.
MS Dhoni connection behind Mohit Sharma’s CSK appointment?
S Badrinath has bluntly said that Mohit Sharma is still a “rookie coach” and does not have much experience in the role. The former CSK batter believes that Mohit could have been brought in as an assistant to Zaheer Khan, who already has greater experience both as a player and coach.
Badrinath said in a video on his YouTube channel: “I feel he is a little bit of a rookie. Only thing about him maybe is his good relationship with Dhoni. I think he is just picked as an assistant with Zaheer already being there. I think as a coach he is a rookie so I don’t know.”
Mohit Sharma’s IPL and India career
Mohit Sharma started his IPL career with Chennai Super Kings in 2013 and played four seasons for the franchise. He also played for India under Dhoni and was part of India’s bowling attack during the 2015 ICC ODI World Cup.
The former Indian pacer finished his IPL career with 120 matches and 134 wickets. Mohit Sharma had a bowling average of 26.21 and an economy rate of 8.77. Mohit also played 26 ODIs and 8 T20Is for India and scalped 31 and 6 wickets, respectively.
The former Indian bowler has 167 wickets in 172 T20s at an economy rate of 8.49 and an average of 28.65 to his name. Mohit Sharma has played for four teams in the IPL, and they are Chennai Super Kings, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Gujarat Titans.
S Badrinath hints at MS Dhoni’s big role in Zaheer Khan’s CSK appointment
Badrinath has great respect for Zaheer Khan as a former fast bowler and feels the legendary left-arm seamer brings huge cricket knowledge to CSK. He also suggested MS Dhoni’s role in Zaheer’s appointment as the Chennai Super Kings head coach.
The commentator added, “I have only one or two opinions on this. He is a superb bowler. I have a lot of respect for him as a bowler. He has played a lot of cricket and has a lot of knowledge.
He has a good relationship with Dhoni as well, and the two have worked a lot together. I think the suggestion has been made by Dhoni, and that is a good thing.” Amid this, Ashutosh Sharma leaves Railways, joins Gujarat ahead of the 2026-27 domestic season.
S Badrinath raises doubt over Zaheer Khan’s CSK appointment
However, Badrinath is not confident that Zaheer’s appointment will immediately solve CSK’s problems. Zaheer previously worked as a mentor with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) but left the role after just one season, when the team failed to reach the playoffs.
Badrinath signed off by saying, “The only issue for me is his track record. It did not work out with Lucknow, and he left. Personally, he will also be looking to prove it. The bowling is very weak, and that is why Dhoni would have suggested Zaheer. But I really cannot say anything right now. He has the ability. CSK also needs a good bowling coach. All this is there. But will it be successful or not? I am not sure.”
The Chennai Super Kings have missed the playoffs for three straight years. Their bowling has also been a major concern. The franchise will now hope that Zaheer and Mohit will help the team return to its winning ways in the IPL 2027.