‘MS Dhoni clearly plays a key role’: CSK reveals how they considered appointing Zaheer Khan as coach

Chennai: Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s high point as India captain was the World Cup triumph in 2011 and Zaheer Khan was one of the unsung heroes of that campaign. His joint-highest haul of 21 wickets in the tournament, alongside Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, and his opening spell of 5-3-6-1 in the final against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede are not celebrated as much as some other performances from this campaign.Now, as Dhoni enters the final chapter of his playing career, he has turned to his trusted lieutenant as the coach of Chennai Super Kings, a team that has struggled to reach its usual heights in the last three seasons, failing to make the playoffs each time.After the departure of Stephen Fleming from the position of CSK coach, there was considerable speculation about his successor. The management left the decision largely up to Dhoni. Several names have been mooted, including Hemang Badani, but one understands that the former skipper’s comfort level with Zaheer was one of the key factors in the former left-arm paceman landing the job.As captain, Dhoni famously referred to Zaheer as the Sachin Tendulkar of bowling during India’s difficult World T20 campaign in 2012 in Sri Lanka.“Dhoni, of course, plays a key role in our decision-making process. He along with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and other members of the cricket committee have concluded that Zaheer is the best man for the job,” CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan told TOI.CSK have struggled with pace bowling of late, especially at the death, and Zaheer’s mastery of reverse swing has also played in their favour.“Zaheer was a world-class player and over the years he guided many young cricketers, especially fast cricketers. As a player, he was one of the key reasons for India’s success during the 2000s,” added Viswanathan.Zaheer, on his part, said he was “honoured 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 these contests. I can’t wait to join this legacy franchise with such a rich history,” he said.The 47-year-old, who has represented three IPL franchises (RCB, MI and DD) during his playing career, is no stranger to coaching.