Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have appointed former South African all-rounder Albie Morkel and former England spinner Gareth Batty as assistant coaches ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 season. Former India pacer Mohit Sharma has also joined the franchise as bowling coach as part of a major overhaul of the team's coaching staff.
The trio will work under newly appointed head coach Zaheer Khan, who has taken charge following Stephen Fleming's departure from CSK. Fleming, who led the franchise for 16 years, has been appointed England men's head coach in Test cricket.
Major Changes in CSK's Coaching Staff
Several long-serving members of CSK's coaching setup have parted ways with the franchise. Batting coach Mike Hussey, bowling coach Eric Simons, strength and conditioning coach Greg King, and physiotherapist Tommy Simsek are among those who have left after spending a decade or more with the team.
Meanwhile, assistant coach Sridharan Sriram and fielding coach James Foster will continue in their respective roles. Senior CSK official AR Srikanth will also remain associated with the franchise.
CSK managing director Kasi Viswanathan had previously indicated that Zaheer would have the freedom to select his own coaching staff, paving the way for the latest changes.
Albie Morkel Returns to CSK in Coaching Role
Morkel brings considerable experience and a strong connection with Chennai Super Kings. The former South African all-rounder represented CSK from the inaugural IPL season in 2008 until 2013, scoring 827 runs and taking 76 wickets in 78 matches.
Following his stint with CSK, Morkel also played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals and Rising Pune Supergiant.
He has remained connected to the franchise's wider cricketing network through Joburg Super Kings in South Africa's SA20 league. Morkel has been part of the Joburg-based team's setup since the competition began and was recently appointed its head coach following Fleming's departure.
His familiarity with the Super Kings' culture and experience in franchise cricket are expected to be valuable assets in his new role.
Mohit Sharma Appointed Bowling Coach
Mohit Sharma, who enjoyed a successful stint with CSK as a player, has been appointed the team's new bowling coach. He represented the franchise across four IPL seasons between 2013 and 2019, claiming 58 wickets in 48 matches. He also featured for CSK in the Champions League T20.
The former India pacer subsequently represented Kings XI Punjab, now known as Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans.
Mohit enjoyed an impressive campaign with Gujarat Titans in 2023, finishing as the team's second-highest wicket-taker as they reached the IPL final before losing to CSK. He retired from all forms of cricket in December 2025.
His appointment adds recent IPL experience to CSK's revamped coaching department.
Gareth Batty Brings Coaching Experience
Former England offspinner Gareth Batty joins CSK after building a strong coaching career in English domestic cricket. He has been part of Surrey's setup since 2021 and guided the county to three consecutive County Championship titles before they finished runners-up last season.
Batty also served as assistant coach of Oval Invincibles in the men's Hundred in 2025 before taking up a role with MI London in 2026.
His experience in player development and team management is expected to strengthen CSK's coaching resources ahead of the new IPL campaign.
Zaheer Khan Begins a New Chapter at CSK
CSK appointed Zaheer Khan as head coach after ending their long association with Fleming, who had been at the helm for 16 years. Fleming has since moved to the England Test setup, replacing Brendon McCullum.
Foster and Simons have also joined Fleming's England coaching staff. Hussey had indicated in August that he was open to working with Fleming but would take time to consider the opportunity before making a decision.
With Morkel, Batty and Mohit joining the backroom staff, CSK are preparing for a new chapter under Zaheer's leadership. The revamped coaching team will aim to build on the franchise's established culture while preparing the squad for the challenges of IPL 2027.
