CSK part ways with Michael Hussey and other support staff ahead of IPL 2027; Gareth Batty joins as assistant coach

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have made major changes to their support staff ahead of IPL 2027, with batting coach Michael Hussey among those leaving the franchise. The five-time IPL champions shared a farewell message for Hussey on social media on Monday, thanking him for his contribution as both a player and coach. His departure brings an end to his eight-year stint as batting coach.

CSK have also parted ways with bowling coach Eric Simons, who had been associated with the franchise since 2018, along with several other members of the support staff. The changes come after three disappointing IPL campaigns as the franchise looks to rebuild its coaching setup ahead of the 2027 season.

Meanwhile, Gareth Batty will join CSK as an assistant coach for IPL 2027 after spending five years as Surrey's head coach. During his time with the county, Surrey won three consecutive County Championship titles. Batty will work under newly appointed CSK head coach Zaheer Khan as the franchise prepares for the upcoming season.

Michael Hussey, Eric simons among five CSK staff exits as Zaheer Khan revamps coaching team

Michael Hussey, Eric Simons, Rajiv Kumar and Greg King are among the CSK staff members who have left the franchise ahead of IPL 2027. Hussey, popularly known as ‘Mr Cricket’, first joined Chennai Super Kings as a player in 2008 before returning as batting coach in 2018. During his time with the team, he played an important role in helping the batters prepare for matches.

In its farewell message, CSK praised Hussey’s dedication, humility and commitment to the franchise. The team also said that his place in its history would always remain special. The franchise ended its tribute with the message, “Once a Super King, always a Super King.” Bowling coach Eric Simons, support staff member Rajiv Kumar and trainer Greg King have also received farewell messages from the franchise for their contributions over the years.

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The changes come as CSK prepare for IPL 2027 under new head coach Zaheer Khan, who replaced long-serving coach Stephen Fleming. Former India fast bowler Mohit Sharma has also been appointed as the team's bowling coach. Meanwhile, Gareth Batty will join CSK as an assistant coach, bringing further changes to the franchise's coaching setup ahead of the new season.

Who is Gareth Batty? Ex-England spinner leaves Surrey to join CSK as assistant coach

Gareth Batty will join Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as an assistant coach from the IPL 2027 season after leaving Surrey, where he served as head coach for five years. During his time with the county, he led the team to three consecutive County Championship titles. Batty will work under CSK’s newly appointed head coach, Zaheer Khan, as the franchise prepares for the upcoming season.

Batty took charge of Surrey in 2022 and guided the team to the County Championship title in his first season. He then led them to successful title defences in 2023 and 2024 before Surrey finished runners-up in 2025. Under his leadership, the team also reached the knockout stages of the Vitality Blast in each of his five seasons, including two appearances at Finals Day.

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The 48-year-old’s departure marks the end of his 21-year association with Surrey. He first played for the club between 1998 and 2001 before returning in 2010. Batty captained Surrey from 2015 to 2017 and retired from professional cricket in 2021. He then joined the coaching staff before becoming head coach in 2022. During his tenure, several Surrey players also progressed to the England set-up.

What’s next for CSK: Retention deadline on November 15, mini auction in Goa on December 16

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will now focus on building their squad for IPL 2027 under the new coaching setup led by Zaheer Khan. The franchise will aim to make the right decisions ahead of the retention deadline on November 15 and the mini auction scheduled for December 16 in Goa. These decisions will play an important role in shaping the team for the upcoming season.

CSK are looking to rebuild after missing the playoffs in each of the last three seasons. The team finished fifth in 2024, last in 2025 and eighth in 2026. With several changes to the support staff, the franchise will hope to improve its performance and return to the fight for the IPL title.

The upcoming retention deadline and mini auction will give CSK an opportunity to strengthen their squad and address key gaps. With Zaheer Khan leading the coaching setup and Gareth Batty joining as assistant coach, the franchise will look to build a balanced team for IPL 2027. Fans will now be waiting to see which players CSK retain and who joins the squad at the auction.