CSK Revamp: Zaheer Khan Leads New Coaching Panel for IPL 2027
Chennai Super Kings revamp their coaching staff for IPL 2027, appointing Zaheer Khan as head coach and Albie Morkel, Gareth Batty, and Mohit Sharma as assistants.
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have announced a massive overhaul of their coaching hierarchy ahead of the CSK coaching staff IPL 2027 season. In a significant shift, the franchise has appointed former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan as the head coach, marking the end of an era as the team moves forward with a fresh vision.
A New Era Under Zaheer Khan
The appointment of Zaheer Khan comes after a long and successful partnership with Stephen Fleming, who served as the head coach for 16 years. Fleming departs the franchise to take on the role of England’s men’s Test head coach. To support Zaheer in his new leadership role, CSK has brought in a trio of experienced cricketers and coaches as assistant coaches: Albie Morkel, Gareth Batty, and Mohit Sharma.
The New Assistants: Experience and Pedigree
The newly appointed assistants bring a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the yellow jersey:
- Albie Morkel: The former South African all-rounder is a familiar face in Chennai. He was a key part of the squad from the inaugural 2008 season until 2013, contributing 827 runs and 76 wickets across 78 matches.
- Mohit Sharma: A seasoned campaigner who played for CSK between 2013 and 2019, claiming 58 wickets in 48 games. Mohit, who retired from all forms of cricket in December 2025, most recently had a stellar run with Gujarat Titans in 2023, helping them reach the final.
- Gareth Batty: The former England off-spinner brings a proven coaching track record. He was instrumental in Surrey’s three consecutive County Championship titles and has held coaching roles with the Oval Invincibles and MI London.
End of an Era: Major Departures
The revamp isn't just about new arrivals; it also marks the exit of several stalwarts who had been with the franchise for over a decade. The coaching and support staff see the departure of:
- Batting coach Mike Hussey
- Bowling coach Eric Simons
- Strength and conditioning coach Greg King
- Physiotherapist Tommy Simsek
Who Stays? The Continuity
Despite the sweeping changes, CSK has retained a few key figures to ensure some stability during the transition. Assistant bowling coach Sridharan Sriram and fielding coach James Foster—who also maintains a coaching role with the England team—will remain with the squad. Additionally, senior official AR Srikanth will continue his association with the franchise.