'Dhoni calling the shots': How Zaheer pipped Hemang Badani for CSK head coach job

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.