Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has backed Zaheer Khan as the new Chennai Super Kings’ head coach for IPL 2027. Khan doesn’t have any head coach experience, but he has served as Mumbai Indians’ Director of Cricket Operations ahead of IPL 2019, before becoming their head of global development. The former Indian pacer has been roped in on a one-year contract, with the option of extending the deal.
More recently, he was named Lucknow Super Giants’ mentor for IPL 2025 but didn’t continue in the next season. Chopra said Khan is not someone who will bully the players, but he will back them to the hilt.
“If you understand the expectation of the administration and the pressure of the players on the team, if you understand the pressure of playing, then you can draw a very fine line. Or you can say that you can work very well. One more thing that I like about him is that he stands up for players. He is not someone who will bully them. I think he will work very well with Chennai. Because he understands the game, understands cricket, and tactically also understands the game. In terms of what the nerve of the game is, what is the DNA, he understands that very well. Secondly, Chennai also needs people like this,” Aakash Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel.
Chopra praised Zaheer Khan for his management abilities, work ethic, and supportive nature.
He added, “He is good at management. I mean, he knows how to handle people very well. He knows who to put his hand on, who to give a little more time. Once again, good work ethics. If he feels that this guy has worked a little less, then he is ready to stand with him, that I am there, come with me. You live with me, I live with you. We both live on the field, we work together.”
The renowned commentator added Khan’s nature will help him get the best out of his players.
“He is not the one who comes to the forefront and takes the limelight. He sits in the background. He will stay in the background; he will keep working quietly, he will focus a lot on the processes. Process, process, Mahi, Zaheer. I think the philosophy is right and similar. So, I think it’s going to work very well,” he said.
Khan would look to get the best out of the players at CSK.
