NEW DELHI: There has been much intrigue around the head coach position at Chennai Super Kings ever since the franchise ended its long-term association with Stephen Fleming. The leadership group, under owner Rupa Gurunath, was keen on having an Indian-led support staff, but conversations with multiple candidates didn’t materialise due to the lack of a “long-term vision”.As first reported by TimesofIndia.com, Hemang Badani was the front-runner to take over the reins from Fleming, but a short contract and a smaller portfolio, only CSK and no overseas team, ended the conversations.CSK were unwilling to offer a long contract, and both Badani and another former India cricketer in the race felt it wasn’t right to run a team they hadn’t assembled and then be judged on it.“Hemang Badani checked all the boxes, and negotiations were even in the final stages regarding money and contract duration. But he was initially given the impression that he would operate across at least three of the franchise’s teams. Albie Morkel’s appointment as the head coach of Joburg Super Kings in SA20 derailed the conversations with Badani; the contract duration was the real deal-breaker,” says a source tracking developments.CSK insisted on operating on a year-by-year model, while the coaches in conversation wanted at least two years with the side to have a fair shot at setting things in order. Zaheer Khan‘s appointment has surprised those tracking developments, and an industry insider feels this could at best be a stop-gap solution before the team presses reset during the mega auction.“It’s not a secret anymore that MS Dhoni is calling the shots with Rupa Gurunath. The way conversations ended with Badani, one more India cricketer and even an overseas candidate makes it clear the franchise is not yet willing to think long-term. Additionally, all these contracts are cyclic in nature. Mega auction to mega auction with an option to extend, of course,” explains the source.While the exact details of the contract duration and compensation are not out yet, the price bracket CSK were operating around is understood to be between Rs 5 and 7 crore. We reached out to CSK Managing Director KS Viswanathan for details on the contract, and the story will be updated the moment he responds.Zaheer has served in different capacities at Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants in the past, and his exit from both setups was not under ideal circumstances. This will be his third role with an IPL team.Speaking on his appointment, Zaheer was quoted as saying by CSK: “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 makes it even more special. I can’t wait to join the legacy franchise with such a rich history.”Rupa welcomed Zaheer into the setup and highlighted his ability to nurture young talent: “We are pleased to confirm Zaheer Khan as the Head Coach for Chennai Super Kings. Zaheer’s distinguished playing career and proven ability to nurture young talent make him a valuable addition to our setup. We are confident that his guidance will help strengthen the core of this franchise.”Zaheer last played in the IPL in 2017, ending his illustrious career with 102 wickets from 100 matches.
