Five-time IPL winners Chennai Super Kings are heading into the new season in 2027 with new faces behind the scenes. Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan has been named the head coach, while Mohit Sharma is set to be the new bowling coach of the side. 

Michael Huseey, who has been the batting coach of the team, has also left, while Stephen Fleming parted ways with the franchise and is now the England Test coach. Former skipper MS Dhoni didn’t play a game last season due to recurrent injury issues. It is unclear if the 45-year-old will return as a player for IPL 2027.

Ravichandran Ashwin, who played under Dhoni for both India and CSK, said that the legendary star could be handed a new role next season. “With the new coaching staff coming in, it will be interesting to see the chemistry between the current captain (Ruturaj), Dhoni, and new head coach Zaheer. There is a chance that MS could be the mentor, and it will also be interesting to see if the captain works with the new coach or goes to Dhoni," Ashwin said.

When the off-spinner made his IPL debut for Chennai, Fleming was the coach with MSD as captain. Both formed a great rapport with each other and led their side to five IPL title wins and two Champions League titles. The last time they won was in 2023, after which the Men in Yellow have failed to qualify for the playoffs even once. 

“Fleming modified himself perfectly to fit in with Dhoni, so it was very surprising to see that the team feel the coach is not able to adapt to a new captain after three years.” The ex-Kiwi skipper was let go after the disappointing MLC 2026 campaign, which saw Texas Super Kings finish at the bottom of the table. 

Former India star speaks about latest coaching staff

Zaheer is set for his first foray as head coach after years of working behind the scenes. He was the mentor and bowling coach of the Lucknow Super Giants for one season. Mohit, on the other hand, played for the Chennai Super Kings and also did well under Dhoni during his India career. 

Ashwin felt that the latest additions were Dhoni’s idea, “It is clear that MS is doing all the decision-making in terms of the new coaches. However, one cannot be certain that by changing the coaches, the fortunes of the side can change.”