{
  "id": 9784047,
  "title": "‘Big shoes to fill’: Zaheer Khan embraces CSK challenge as preparations for IPL 2027 begin",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/big-shoes-to-fill-zaheer-khan-embraces-csk-challenge-as-preparations",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-25T14:59:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/sport/cricket/ipl/big-shoes-to-fill-zaheer-khan-embraces-csk-challenge-as-preparations-for-ipl-2027-begin-1.500687983"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Indian cricketer Zaheer Khan has been appointed as the head coach of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the upcoming IPL 2027 season. The newly appointed coach expressed his excitement and pride at taking on the challenge of leading the five-time IPL champions. CSK owner representatives, chief executive Kasi Viswanathan, and former captain MS Dhoni played a crucial role in Zaheer's appointment, with the franchise simply asking if he was available and interested in the role. Zaheer acknowledged the expectations attached to leading such a legacy-rich franchise, stating that it would be both challenging and exciting. The coach also paid tribute to former CSK captain Fleming, acknowledging the strong bond and distinctive style of cricket they had established over the years. Zaheer's connection to Chennai runs deep, as he spent three years at the MRF Pace Foundation in the city, where he trained under Australian fast-bowling legend Dennis Lillee. The coach expressed his gratitude for the strong support from CSK fans, describing the bond between the team and its supporters as a big family.",
  "summary": "With the IPL 2027 mini-auction in Goa in December set to be his first major assignment, newly appointed Chennai Super Kings head coach Zaheer Khan is already looking ahead to the task of shaping the squad for the next season. Zaheer, who was named CSK’s new head coach on Monday, said taking charge of the five-time IPL champions is both a privilege and a major responsibility. He will work on the…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}