CSK part ways with batting coach Michael Hussey ahead of IPL 2027
Synopsis
Michael Hussey's exit as CSK batting coach closes a chapter that began in 2008. It is the most visible move in a root-and-branch overhaul: Stephen Fleming is gone after 18 years, Zaheer Khan is in, and CSK are rebuilding from scratch after three consecutive playoff exits — with a mini auction in Goa on December 16 as the next critical checkpoint.
Key Takeaways
Chennai Super Kings parted ways with batting coach Michael Hussey on 26 October 2026 , ending his coaching tenure since 2018 .
Hussey's exit is part of a wider overhaul after CSK missed the playoffs in 2024 , 2025 , and 2026 .
Head coach Stephen Fleming (18 years at CSK) has been succeeded by Zaheer Khan ; Mohit Sharma replaces bowling coach Eric Simons .
Fleming, Simons, and fielding coach James Foster have joined the England Test coaching staff.
Former England spinner Gareth Batty is joining CSK as assistant coach; Hussey's successor is yet to be named.
CSK's retention deadline is 15 November ; the IPL 2027 mini auction is scheduled for 16 December in Goa .
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have parted ways with batting coach Michael Hussey ahead of the IPL 2027 auction, ending the former Australian batter's long association with the five-time champions. The franchise confirmed his exit on Monday, 26 October 2026, with a tribute post on its official social media handles.
A Farewell Steeped in Yellow
CSK's tribute underscored the depth of Hussey's connection with the franchise, going all the way back to their inaugural season. 'From the very first season in 2008, you have been an integral part of the Chennai Super Kings family,' the franchise wrote.
'Your journey in Yellow has been defined not just by the runs you scored and the players you mentored, but by the dedication, humility, and unwavering commitment you brought to this franchise over the years. Your place in our history will forever remain special, Hussmeister. Once a Super King, always a Super King,' CSK said in its post.
Part of a Sweeping Coaching Overhaul
Hussey's departure is not an isolated move — it is part of a comprehensive restructuring of CSK's coaching staff triggered by the team missing the playoffs in 2024, 2025, and 2026. Head coach Stephen Fleming, who served the franchise for 18 years, has already been replaced by former India pacer Zaheer Khan. Bowling coach Eric Simons has made way for ex-India and CSK pacer Mohit Sharma.
Notably, Fleming and Simons, along with former CSK fielding coach James Foster, have joined the England Test coaching setup — with Fleming taking charge as head coach. CSK are yet to officially name Hussey's successor, though former England off-spinner and Surrey head coach Gareth Batty is set to join the franchise as an assistant coach.
Hussey's Legacy at CSK
Hussey's journey with CSK as a player was equally storied. He scored 1,768 runs across six seasons, joining in 2008, sitting out 2009, and then playing four consecutive seasons from 2010 to 2013. After a year with Mumbai Indians in 2014, he returned to CSK in 2015. He transitioned to the coaching staff in 2018 — the very year CSK clinched the title — before the franchise won the championship again in 2021 and 2023.
What Comes Next for CSK and Hussey
With the player retention deadline set for 15 November, the new coaching triumvirate of Zaheer Khan, Mohit Sharma, and Gareth Batty, alongside skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and the franchise's top management, will need to finalise CSK's squad strategy before the mini auction slated for 16 December in Goa.
As for Hussey, his next move is keenly watched. Reports suggest coaching vacancies exist at Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings, both of whom may benefit from his batting expertise at the highest level.
Point of View
Which either signals serious structural rethinking or carries the risk of too much disruption before a high-stakes auction. The real question is whether Zaheer Khan, a coaching newcomer at this level, can galvanise a side that has looked tactically stale, and whether Ruturaj Gaikwad gets the full backing he needs to lead a transition rather than just inherit a crisis.
NationPress
26 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did CSK part ways with Michael Hussey?
CSK's decision to part ways with Michael Hussey is part of a sweeping coaching overhaul after the franchise missed the playoffs in three consecutive seasons — 2024, 2025, and 2026. His exit follows that of head coach Stephen Fleming, who left after 18 years with the franchise.
How long was Michael Hussey associated with CSK?
Michael Hussey's association with CSK spans from their inaugural season in 2008 — first as a player and then as batting coach from 2018 onwards. As a player he scored 1,768 runs across six seasons, and as batting coach he was part of three title-winning campaigns in 2018, 2021, and 2023.
Who has replaced Stephen Fleming as CSK's head coach?
Former India pacer Zaheer Khan has been appointed as CSK's new head coach, replacing Stephen Fleming, who departed after an 18-year stint. Fleming has since joined the England Test coaching setup as head coach.
When is the IPL 2027 mini auction, and what is CSK's retention deadline?
The IPL 2027 mini auction is scheduled for 16 December in Goa. CSK's retention deadline is 15 November, by which point the new coaching staff and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad must finalise the franchise's squad plans.
Could Michael Hussey join another IPL franchise?
It remains to be seen whether Hussey will take up a coaching role at another IPL team. Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings have been reported to have coaching vacancies, making them potential destinations for the experienced batting coach.
