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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have reportedly considered several big names before finalising Zaheer Khan as their new head coach. Former CSK star Ravichandran Ashwin has now revealed that Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra was also among the names discussed for the high-profile job.
However, Ashwin feels Nehra didn’t have any reason to leave Gujarat Titans at this stage. Nehra has built a successful team in Ahmedabad and has already guided Gujarat Titans to an IPL title in his first season. The team also reached multiple finals and playoffs under Nehra’s guidance.
CSK had Ashish Nehra on their radar for head coach role, reveals Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin revealed that Chennai Super Kings had discussions with several coaches while searching for Stephen Fleming’s replacement. The former Indian all-rounder also suggested that Ashish Nehra was one of the names in the frame during the process.
Nehra is known for his hands-on and old-school coaching style that already made Gujarat Titans one of the successful teams in the IPL. Earlier, former India batter reveals major concern over Zaheer Khan’s CSK appointment.
Ashwin said in a video posted on his YouTube channel, "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.”
2 more Indian legends were in the race
Ashwin also revealed that two other Indian cricket legends were considered for the CSK position apart from a very few overseas coaches, but length of the contract became the main issue.
The former Indian off-spinner has further shared, “I think there are two other Indian legends whose contracts also happened. There were a few foreigners whose contracts happened, but the deal couldn’t happen for many reasons. The reasons were completely unique.
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.”
Choice of Zaheer Khan is fabulous: Ashwin hails CSK's move
CSK eventually decided to hand the head coach role to Zaheer Khan. The former India fast bowler has signed a one-year contract with the franchise. Zaheer does not have much experience as a head coach, but CSK will hope that his fresh approach brings a new energy to the team.
Ashwin has called CSK's decision to appoint Zaheer as the head coach a “fabulous” one, saying his former India teammate’s strong relationship with MS Dhoni is another important factor for CSK. The former Chennai all-rounder also noted that Zaheer is an Indian legend and players will get to work with him, and that is not an ordinary thing.
He signed off by saying, “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. This will be a new beginning for Zahir 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.”
