CSK Coaching Overhaul Reaches Batting Role With Hussey Exit Reported

Chennai Super Kings have parted with batting coach Michael Hussey ahead of IPL 2027, according to a Cricbuzz report carried by several Indian outlets. The franchise has made no announcement. The move would complete a near-total turnover of the CSK coaching bench inside one off-season.

Hussey joined the staff in 2018 and has spent eight years in the role. India.com reported that he declined to comment when approached, and that he has since spoken to other teams.

Zaheer Khan replaces Stephen Fleming

Zaheer Khan was appointed head coach in September, taking over from Stephen Fleming. Mohit Sharma, who played for the franchise, has replaced Eric Simons as bowling coach. Those two changes are confirmed. The batting and fielding positions are not.

Zaheer arrived in September. The bowling brief changed hands in the same window. The batting job came loose about three weeks later. The fielding contract is the last one outstanding, and Chennai have put no timeline on it.

Four support-staff roles in motion

Two of the four appointments are settled and public. The other two rest on reporting that the franchise has not addressed either way. That distinction is worth holding on to while the off-season runs.

• Head coach: Zaheer Khan appointed in September, replacing Stephen Fleming
• Bowling coach: Mohit Sharma appointed, replacing Eric Simons
• Batting coach: Michael Hussey leaving after eight years, reported but not announced
• Fielding coach: James Foster's contract extension on hold

Hussey's time with the franchise

Hussey first arrived as a player in 2008. India.com reported that he turned out for the side between 2010 and 2013 and again in 2015, with a season at Mumbai Indians in between. He came back as batting coach in 2018. Chennai Super Kings have won five IPL titles.

NewsBytes, citing Cricbuzz, reported that Hussey had built a working relationship with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. Neither the franchise nor Hussey has confirmed the exit. He has been part of the set-up, as player or coach, for most of the league's existence.

The fielding decision still open

James Foster joined last year. India.com describes him as a former England player. The outlet reported that his contract extension is on hold and that he did not respond to a request for comment. No replacement has been named.

All of it lands just before a wider review of the competition. myKhel reported that the BCCI has called a joint meeting with IPL stakeholders in Mumbai on 15 October to go over the tournament and prepare for 2027. The Impact Player rule is reported to be on the agenda. No decisions have been taken.

Four senior Chennai roles have moved or stalled in roughly three weeks. No franchise statement has followed any of the reports. IPL 2027 will be the league's twentieth season.