Inside the story of how Zaheer Khan poached Hemang Badani as CSK’s head coach

Zaheer Khan, Hemang Badani NEW DELHI: There has been a lot of intrigue surrounding the position of head coach at Chennai Super Kings ever since the franchise ended its long-term association with Stephen Fleming. The management group under owner Rupa Gurunath wanted to have an Indian-led support staff, but talks with more candidates did not take place due to a lack of “long-term vision”.As first reported by TimesofIndia.com, Hemang Badani was the frontrunner to take over the reins from Fleming, but a short contract and smaller portfolio, with only CSK and no overseas team, ended the talks.CSK were unwilling to offer a long contract and Badani and another former Indian cricketer in the running felt it was not right to manage a team they did not build and then be judged for it.“Hemang Badani checked all the boxes and negotiations were even in the final stages regarding money and contract length. But initially he was under the impression that he would be in at least three franchise teams. The appointment of Albie Morkel as head coach of the Joburg Super Kings in SA20 derailed talks with Badani; the length of the contract was the real turning point,” says the source.CSK insisted on operating on a one-year model, while the coaches in the interview wanted at least two years with the side to give them a fair chance to get things right. The appointment of Zaheer Khan has surprised the watchers of the development and an industry insider believes that it could be a solution at best to stop the team from hitting reset during the mega auction.“It’s no longer a secret that MS Dhoni is scoring goals for Rupa Gurunath. The way the talks with Badani, another cricketer in India and even an overseas prospect ended, makes it clear that the franchise is not yet willing to think long-term. Moreover, all these contracts are cyclical in nature. Mega auction upon mega auction with the option of extension, of course,” explains the source.While the exact details of the contract duration and compensation are yet to be revealed, the price range that CSK has been operating at is somewhere between Rs 5 crore and Rs 7 crore. We have asked CSK managing director KS Viswanathan for details on the contract and the story will be updated once he responds.Zaheer has served in various capacities with Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants in the past and his exit from both sets was not under ideal circumstances. This will be his third role in the IPL team.On his appointment, Zaheer told CSK: “I am honored to be a part of one of the most successful teams in IPL history. As a cricketer, I have faced CSK on the field and thoroughly enjoyed the competition. The atmosphere created by the Superfans in Chepauk is even more special. I can’t wait to join such a rich history.”Welcoming Zaheer to the fold, Rupa highlighted his ability to nurture young talent: “We are delighted to confirm Zaheer Khan as the head coach of Chennai Super Kings. Zaheer’s distinguished playing career and proven ability to nurture young talent make him a valuable addition to our set-up. We are confident that his leadership will help strengthen the core of this franchise.”Zaheer last played in the IPL in 2017 and ended his illustrious career with 102 wickets from 100 matches.