Gareth Batty, the head coach who guided Surrey to three consecutive County Championship titles from 2022 to 2024, is set to leave the English county and join Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as an assistant coach in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The 49-year-old will reunite with his former Worcestershire team-mate Zaheer Khan as part of CSK's coaching setup. His departure comes amid a significant restructuring of the franchise's backroom staff following a series of changes to its coaching leadership.
Batty took charge of Surrey in 2021, immediately after retiring from professional cricket with the club. Under his leadership, Surrey established themselves as the dominant force in the County Championship, securing an unprecedented three successive titles between 2022 and 2024.
Surrey continued their strong run in 2025, finishing second behind Nottinghamshire. However, the club endured a difficult campaign this season, narrowly avoiding relegation before finishing seventh in the Championship. They also failed to progress to the latter stages of either the T20 Blast or the One-Day Cup.
Batty Ends 21-Year Association with Surrey
Batty's departure brings an end to a 21-year association with Surrey, a club he represented during two separate spells as a player. He initially played for Surrey between 1998 and 2001 before returning in 2010.
He later served as club captain from 2015 to 2017 before handing over the leadership to Rory Burns. Following the end of his playing career, Batty moved into coaching and eventually led Surrey through one of the most successful periods in their history.
Alongside his county responsibilities, Batty also worked with the Oval Invincibles during their title-winning campaign in 2025. He subsequently joined MI London, the Mumbai Indians-affiliated franchise, in the rebranded competition this year.
His move to CSK will now see him switch allegiances to one of the Mumbai Indians' biggest IPL rivals.
In a statement announcing his departure, Batty expressed gratitude for his time at Surrey and excitement about the opportunity to begin a new chapter in his coaching career.
"Thank you hardly seems enough for all that Surrey has meant to me. It has been a privilege to serve this great club, to share in its success and challenges," Batty said.
"The new journey is a very exciting one for my family and me with CSK in the IPL, and I'm looking forward to getting going."
Alec Stewart Praises Batty's Contribution
Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart paid tribute to Batty's commitment and contribution to the club, highlighting his achievements as a player, captain and head coach.
Stewart acknowledged the challenges of managing expectations at a club with Surrey's resources and traditions but praised Batty for delivering sustained success during his tenure.
"I have known and worked with Gareth for many years, and throughout that time he has shown an outstanding commitment to this club," Stewart said.
"As a player and then as captain, he has always put the team first and played a significant role in helping to move the club forward."
Stewart also praised Batty's transition into coaching, pointing to his knowledge of the game, determination and ability to bring the best out of his players.
"He has a passion and knowledge for the game as well as a determination to get the very best out of himself and those around him. When he made the transition into coaching, he brought those same qualities with him," he added.
"His achievement in leading the side to three consecutive County Championship titles is a reflection of his hard work, his understanding of the players and his fierce will to win."
New Challenge Awaits at Chennai Super Kings
Batty's arrival represents another addition to CSK's coaching staff as the franchise reshapes its backroom structure. The changes follow the appointment of long-serving head coach Stephen Fleming to England's Test coaching role and the subsequent recruitment of assistants Eric Simons and James Foster.
With his experience of building a successful domestic side and managing a championship-winning squad, Batty will bring valuable coaching expertise to the five-time IPL champions.
His move from Surrey to CSK marks a new phase in his coaching career, following a successful spell in English county cricket in which he helped establish Surrey as one of the country's most dominant teams.
