Zaheer Khan, the newly appointed head coach of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), expressed his enthusiasm for leading the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions. In a statement made on Friday, Khan described the position as a privilege accompanied by significant responsibility. He acknowledged the challenge of succeeding outgoing coach Stephen Fleming, emphasizing that it will be both an exciting and demanding endeavor.
“The feeling is still sinking in, I would say. So much love and affection being shown towards me by the fans, by the well-wishers, looking ahead to this special chapter in my cricketing career. It always feels very satisfying and a lot of pressure as well at the same time of responsibilities which I’ll be carrying since you’re talking about CSK, isn’t it?
Zaheer said on the franchise’s official YouTube channel on Friday.
Describing the appointment process, Zaheer, a member of the 2011 ODI World Cup-winning team, praised the franchise’s clarity in the process of appointing him to the role and showing trust in his coaching abilities. Because it’s just about taking the team to the level which everyone expects them to be and that’s something which I’m looking forward to,” the former India speedster added, so that’s something which is going to be very challenging, at the same time, exciting as well.
I said, yeah, I would love to be part of it. “It’s a franchise which has the legacy, rich history of cricket and big shoes to fill in. “The procedure was pretty simple, straightforward, I would say, in a typical CSK fashion. Obviously, MS has been a great force with CSK. It’s been very critical in terms of understanding the direction the team should be going. The owners and the CEO, Rupa and Mr. Kasi, did have a word with me, and the conversation was very simple. “We want you — if you’re available or not; the availability was checked. It would be a privilege and an honour. From then on, it was just about taking things forward and moving on with the formalities. It was as simple as that, and that gives me a lot of confidence stepping into this responsibility. “The cricket ground was in a school facility. So, a lot of buzz in that area, and I did play a lot of league cricket there in Chennai. So, over the years, around that time, I was part of the MRF team. The Globe Trotters in the local league — so, good and fond memories, lots of connections and friends there,” he recalled. “The team and the fans look like a big family, and the togetherness is very special, and that’s what everyone experiences when they come to Chepauk and enjoy the game of cricket. So, looking forward to all the love and adulation which this team will get as we move along.”
