Chennai Super Kings had Ashish Nehra on their radar during their search for Stephen Fleming’s replacement, Ravichandran Ashwin has revealed, shedding light on the franchise’s coaching plans before the appointment of Zaheer Khan.
Fleming left his long-standing role as CSK head coach before taking charge of England’s red-ball team. The franchise eventually appointed Zaheer, but according to Ashwin, Nehra was among the coaches considered for the high-profile role.
“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,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
Nehra, however, remains the head coach of Gujarat Titans and has overseen one of the most successful starts to a franchise’s IPL journey. GT won the title in their debut season in 2022 and reached the final again in 2023 and 2026.
Ashwin suggested CSK’s search extended well beyond Nehra. The former India spinner said two other Indian legends and several overseas coaches were also considered, although some potential deals could not be completed.
“I think there are two other Indian legends whose contracts also happened,” Ashwin said.
“There were a few foreigners whose contracts happened, but the deal couldn’t happen for many reasons. The reasons were very different. 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,” he added.
ASHWIN BACKS ZAHEER’S APPOINTMENT
While revealing the names discussed during the coaching search, Ashwin gave his full backing to Zaheer’s appointment.
“I think the choice of Zaheer Khan is fabulous. I do not doubt it. He ticks all the boxes. Smart man, knows cricket, knows bowling tactics well, and will blend in nicely,” he said.
Ashwin also pointed to Zaheer’s relationship with MS Dhoni as a key factor in the new setup.
“His relationship with Dhoni is very good. Besides, he is an Indian legend who can work with the boys. This will be a new beginning for Zaheer Khan as head coach,” Ashwin said.
“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,” he added.
Zaheer has previously held coaching and management roles in the IPL. He was Lucknow Super Giants’ mentor from 2024 to 2025 and earlier served as Mumbai Indians’ Director of Cricket from 2018. He was promoted to Global Head of Cricket Development in 2022.
Zaheer’s appointment marks a new phase for CSK after Fleming’s departure, with the former India fast bowler now tasked with leading the five-time champions’ coaching setup.
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