3 CSK players who could get a bigger role under Zaheer Khan

Chennai Super Kings have appointed former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan as their head coach for IPL 2027. This is his first head-coaching role, and he comes in on a one-year contract.

Zaheer succeeds Stephen Fleming, who spent 16 years in the role and helped CSK win five IPL titles. Fleming stepped down in July 2026 after CSK finished eighth in the league stage, recording six wins and eight losses. The CSK leadership group agreed on Zaheer's appointment, with managing director Kasi Viswanathan noting that he would be a lot of help to the development of the team's bowlers.

Here are 3 CSK players who could get a bigger role under Zaheer Khan:

1. Mukesh Choudhary

Mukesh Choudhary is a left-arm seamer who played a vital role for CSK in the 2026 season as a replacement for Khaleel Ahmed. With Zaheer Khan, himself a celebrated left-arm seamer, now at the helm as head coach, Mukesh could find a mentor who understands his style of bowling closely. CSK's management has already indicated that Zaheer's expertise would benefit the team's bowling group.

A left-arm seamer working directly under one of India's finest left-arm fast bowlers is a combination that could help Mukesh develop further and cement a more prominent place in the playing eleven for IPL 2027. He took eight wickets in eight games in 2026, playing a vital role as a strike bowler.