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Zaheer Khan's departure from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) has come under scrutiny after the former India pacer was appointed as the head coach of Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Zaheer had previously worked with LSG, but the franchise parted ways with him after just one season.
The move to CSK has led to former India cricketers Wasim Jaffer and Mohammad Kaif discussing Zaheer's coaching credentials and his stint with LSG. While Jaffer expressed surprise at LSG letting Zaheer Khan go, Kaif pointed out that the former pacer could now have an opportunity to prove himself after not achieving the desired results with the franchise.
Zaheer Khan's coaching journey from Team India to CSK
Zaheer Khan has built an extensive coaching and cricket-development career since retiring from international cricket. He worked with Team India as a bowling consultant in 2017 before spending several years with Mumbai Indians, first as Director of Cricket from 2018 to 2022 and then as Global Head of Cricket Development until 2024.
He subsequently joined Lucknow Super Giants as team mentor for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. His move to Chennai Super Kings now marks another major step, with Zaheer taking charge as the franchise's head coach.
I was surprised they let him go - Wasim Jaffer on Zaheer Khan's LSG exit
Former India batter Wasim Jaffer backed CSK's decision to appoint Zaheer Khan and highlighted the experience and temperament he can bring to a franchise. Jaffer also reflected on Zaheer's work with LSG and admitted that he was surprised when the franchise allowed him to leave.
"It is a good decision. I am always happy when an Indian becomes the coach. Zaheer did well with LSG, actually. I was surprised they let him go. I feel he has got a very wise head on his shoulders and he is very sensible. He understands personalities and is very composed. It does not surprise me. It was about time people made use of him as a bowling coach at some point, but also as a franchise head coach. I am very happy with this decision," he said in a video on his YouTube channel.
Zaheer worked at LSG but could not get the desired results - Mohammad Kaif
Zaheer Khan's former India teammate Mohammad Kaif offered a different perspective on his LSG stint while discussing his move to CSK. Kaif acknowledged Zaheer's experience but said the former pacer would also have something to prove after his previous franchise assignment.
"Zaheer worked at LSG but could not get the desired results. So he also has a point to prove that he deserves it. He will want to improve his image. He will also handle a team that has been losing and where Dhoni's role as a player is now equal to zero. Fleming had that advantage. So it will be challenging for Zaheer. But it will be interesting. Dhoni and Zaheer have also played together and are old friends," he said in a video on his YouTube channel
CSK has a legacy, and being a part of the team is a proud moment in itself - Mohammad Kaif
Mohammad Kaif further discussed the expectations that come with joining a franchise such as CSK. He noted that Zaheer Khan's playing and IPL experience could help him deal with the demands of the role.
"CSK has a legacy, and being a part of the team is a proud moment in itself. But when you join a big team, there is pressure as well. There is responsibility and expectations. The fans will expect that Zaheer will change things that have not worked in the last few years.
"He does have experience working in the IPL. He has played as well. He is well equipped in every way. I think it is a very good call to get an experienced Indian coach. Usually, foreign coaches get preference, but it is good that Indian coaches are being backed," he said.
Also Read: Zaheer Khan coaching journey: All roles before becoming CSK head coach
