'Most clever fast bowler' - MS Dhoni's old tweet resurfaces after Zaheer Khan's CSK head coach appointment

An old tweet from MS Dhoni praising Zaheer Khan has resurfaced on social media following Chennai Super Kings' announcement that Zaheer will serve as their head coach for IPL 2027. The post, originally shared from Dhoni's official Twitter (now X) handle, is drawing fresh attention given the timing of the new head coach's appointment.

The post is now circulating widely and has drawn fresh attention in the context of Zaheer's new role at CSK. The tweet was addressed to Zaheer on the occasion of his retirement from cricket.

"Well done ZAK on a fantastic career.without U it wd hve been very difficult to achieve what the ICT did.most clever fast bowler I know," Dhoni had shared on October 15, 2015.

Zaheer Khan's appointment and Dhoni's role in the process

Zaheer steps into the role vacated by Stephen Fleming, who had been associated with CSK since 2008, first as a player and then as coach, and helped the franchise win five IPL titles across his 16 years in the coaching role. Fleming stepped down in July 2026 after CSK finished eighth in the league table that season, recording six wins and eight losses.

"It's an honour to be a part of one of the most successful teams in the history of the IPL. As a cricketer, I have faced CSK on the field and have thoroughly enjoyed the contests. The atmosphere created by the Superfans at Chepauk make it even more special. I can't wait to join the legacy franchise with such a rich history," Zaheer shared upon his appointment.

Zaheer's IPL background and CSK's recent form

Zaheer brings considerable IPL experience to the role. He played 100 matches in the league across 10 seasons from 2008 to 2017, picking up 102 wickets. He also captained the Delhi Daredevils in his final playing season. After retiring, he served as Mumbai Indians' Director of Cricket and Head of Global Development from 2018 to 2022.

CSK have not reached the playoffs since winning the IPL title three years ago in what was Dhoni's final season as full-time captain. A bottom-placed finish in 2025 prompted changes in how the franchise operates. The team shifted focus toward younger and less experienced players, bringing in the likes of Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis and Kartik Sharma, though results on the field remained difficult to come by.

The CSK management cited Zaheer's experience in the IPL as a key factor in his appointment, with the leadership group believing he would be of considerable help to the development of the team's bowling group.