Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Tuesday, 27 October 2026 confirmed a revamped coaching structure for the IPL 2027 season, appointing former India pacer Mohit Sharma as bowling coach and ex-South Africa all-rounder Albie Morkel and former England cricketer Gareth Batty as assistant coaches. All three join under head coach Zaheer Khan as the five-time champions undertake their most significant backroom overhaul in years.

Key Appointments and Departures

The franchise simultaneously announced the departure of several outgoing support staff members — Michael Hussey, Eric Simons, Rajiv Kumar, Tommy Simsek, and Greg King — thanking them for their contributions. Continuity is provided by James Foster, who retains his role as fielding coach, and Sridharan Sriram, who remains an assistant coach.

Mohit Sharma: A Homecoming at CSK

Mohit Sharma, 38, returns to the franchise where his IPL career began. The seamer represented India in 34 international matches and took 134 wickets in 120 IPL appearances. He won the coveted Purple Cap in 2014 with 23 wickets and was part of CSK's Champions League T20-winning squad that year.

'It is an absolute pleasure to return to the franchise I once represented, and it feels like coming back home. I started my IPL career with CSK and it acted as the catalyst that propelled me into the national circuit. I have some wonderful memories with the Super Kings, especially winning the Purple Cap award and the 2014 CLT20 title. I look forward to sharing my inputs and work alongside Head Coach Zaheer Khan,' Sharma said.

Albie Morkel: Chepauk Nostalgia and New Purpose

Albie Morkel rejoins CSK with a deep connection to the yellow brigade — he was part of IPL title-winning squads in 2010 and 2011, as well as the Champions League T20-winning team in 2010. The former South African all-rounder represented his country in more than 100 international matches.

'I share a special bond with the Super Kings family. The sound of the fans and the whistles at Chepauk is something that has reverberated in my ears since my playing days. I am excited to share my knowledge and experience with the youngsters in the team,' Morkel said.

Gareth Batty: County Pedigree in the Dugout

Gareth Batty arrives with a strong coaching résumé, having guided Surrey to three consecutive County Championship titles between 2022 and 2024. As a player, the former England spinner appeared in 20 international matches, claimed 682 first-class wickets, and scored 7,399 first-class runs.

'I am excited to join the Chennai Super Kings coaching setup. I have been following the exploits of one of the most adored and respected cricket franchises in the globe and I consider it an absolute pleasure to be working with some of the best minds in the game. I am looking forward to this new chapter,' Batty said.

Context: CSK's Rebuild After Three Playoff Misses

The appointments form a central pillar of CSK's broader restructuring under Zaheer Khan. Notably, the franchise has missed the IPL playoffs in three consecutive seasons — a rare and uncomfortable stretch for one of the competition's most decorated sides. The infusion of coaching experience across pace bowling, all-round cricket, and spin is a clear signal that the management is prioritising technical depth alongside tactical reinvention. With the IPL 2027 mega auction also on the horizon, the new backroom setup will play a decisive role in shaping squad strategy.