Zaheer Khan is the head coach of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for IPL 2027, replacing Stephen Fleming after his long association with the franchise. Mohit Sharma has been appointed bowling coach, while Albie Morkel and Gareth Batty have joined as assistant coaches.
James Foster and Sridharan Sriram are the two coaches retained from the previous setup. The new CSK coaching staff features six members, with no dedicated batting coach officially announced as of October 28, 2026.
CSK Coaching Staff 2027: Complete List
Here is the updated list of Chennai Super Kings coaches for IPL 2027, including their roles and appointment status.
| Role | Coach | Status |
| Head Coach | Zaheer Khan | Appointed September 21, 2026 |
| Bowling Coach | Mohit Sharma | Appointed October 27, 2026 |
| Assistant Coach | Albie Morkel | Appointed October 27, 2026 |
| Assistant Coach | Gareth Batty | Appointed October 27, 2026 |
| Fielding Coach | James Foster | Retained |
| Assistant Bowling Coach | Sridharan Sriram | Retained |
The coaching team combines former CSK players with experienced specialists from international and franchise cricket. Zaheer Khan leads the group, while Mohit Sharma takes charge of the bowling department.
The franchise has not announced a direct replacement for former batting coach Michael Hussey. Reports suggest that Albie Morkel could take on batting responsibilities, although his official designation remains assistant coach.
Who is the Head Coach of Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2027?
Zaheer Khan was appointed as the CSK head coach for the upcoming season. He took on the role on September 21, 2026, and it has been reported that he was given the authority to pick his own support staff. The recent appointments are the first clear look at the team he wants around him.
Between Zaheer and his bowling coach, two of the three most senior positions belong to former India fast bowlers. That emphasis makes sense for a side that took the wooden spoon in 2025 with just four wins and could only climb to eighth in 2026 with six.
Who Is the Batting Coach of CSK in 2027?
Chennai Super Kings have not officially appointed a dedicated batting coach for IPL 2027. Michael Hussey, who previously held the position, has left the franchise as part of the coaching changes.
Albie Morkel is expected to take on batting-related responsibilities under Zaheer Khan. The former South African all-rounder has been appointed as assistant coach, but CSK have not formally announced him as their new batting coach.
CSK’s New Coaching Staff for IPL 2027
A day after saying goodbye to five long-serving backroom figures, Chennai Super Kings filled the empty seats. On October 27, 2026, the franchise confirmed three additions to Zaheer Khan’s coaching group. Six staff members have left since July, three new coaches have come in, and two have been retained, so the unit for IPL 2027 now has six names. Here is how it shapes up.
Mohit Sharma – Bowling Coach
Mohit returns to Chepauk as bowling coach. The 38-year-old won the Purple Cap in CSK colours in 2014 and understands the franchise’s culture from the inside. He has also bowled in the modern, high-scoring IPL far more recently than most coaches on the circuit, and that experience should count in team meetings.
Albie Morkel – Assistant Coach
Albie Morkel, The South African all-rounder, now 45, played for CSK from 2008 to 2013 and was part of the title wins in 2010 and 2011. His Super Kings connection runs deeper still: after serving as Joburg Super Kings’ assistant coach since the SA20’s inaugural season, he was appointed JSK’s head coach in July 2026, succeeding Stephen Fleming. It has been reported that Morkel is expected to take over the batting brief left by Michael Hussey, although CSK’s official title for him is assistant coach.
Gareth Batty – Assistant Coach
The former England off-spinner guided Surrey to three titles. It has been reported that Zaheer recommended him personally, as the two were teammates at Worcestershire. Batty is also expected to look after the spin department, but that role has not been formally confirmed.
James Foster – Fielding Coach
Not everything has been cleared out. Foster continues as fielding coach, even though he now also has an assistant role with England’s Test side under Stephen Fleming.
The former England wicketkeeper brings extensive coaching experience from franchise cricket and adds another specialist voice to an already experienced backroom team.
Sridharan Sriram – Assistant Bowling Coach
Sriram also stays on. It has been reported that he will work as assistant bowling coach, though the franchise has yet to formally set out every role in the new setup.
He has the world of knowledge, especially when it comes to spin bowling. Before assuming the CSK role, he was with the Bangladesh’s national team. And on this team, he has worked closely with the likes of Noor and Hosein. The results of that association speak for themselves.
What Stands Out
The most telling detail is what is missing. CSK have not named a dedicated batting coach, which points to a more fluid, shared setup rather than the fixed department heads of the previous era. Two posts are still open: physiotherapist and strength-and-conditioning coach, left vacant by Tommy Simsek and Greg King. These appointments rarely make headlines, but for a squad facing a demanding season they matter as much as any tactical hire.
There is little time to settle in. The IPL 2027 mini-auction is scheduled for December 16, and it has been reported that CSK will hold player trials next month with the full support staff in place. Zaheer now has the people he asked for. The next few weeks will start to show whether this group can turn a struggling squad back into a contender.
CSK Coaching Staff Changes: Who Left Before IPL 2027?
Chennai Super Kings have made major changes to their coaching and support staff following the 2026 IPL season.
Stephen Fleming’s departure marked the end of a coaching tenure that began in 2009. Long-serving batting coach Michael Hussey and bowling consultant Eric Simons have also left the franchise.
Here is a comparison of the outgoing staff and their replacements.
| Former CSK staff member | Previous role | IPL 2027 replacement or status |
| Stephen Fleming | Head Coach | Zaheer Khan |
| Michael Hussey | Batting Coach | No dedicated replacement announced |
| Eric Simons | Bowling Coach/Consultant | Mohit Sharma |
| Rajiv Kumar | Assistant Batting Coach | Departed; no direct replacement specified |
| Tommy Simsek | Physiotherapist | Replacement not announced |
| Greg King | Strength and Conditioning Coach | Replacement not announced |
Unlike the outgoing members, James Foster and Sridharan Sriram have retained their places in CSK’s coaching setup.
The reshuffle also brings back two former CSK players, Mohit Sharma and Albie Morkel, in coaching roles. Gareth Batty joins the franchise after his coaching work in English county cricket.
CSK Support Staff and Management Team for IPL 2027
Beyond the coaching staff, Chennai Super Kings rely on medical, fitness and team management personnel to support players throughout the IPL season.
The 2027 support structure is still being finalised. The franchise has not announced successors to its departing physiotherapist and strength-and-conditioning coach as of October 28, 2026.
| Support staff position | IPL 2027 status |
| Physiotherapist | Yet to be announced |
| Strength and Conditioning Coach | Yet to be announced |
| Team Doctor | Current appointment to be confirmed |
| Team Psychologist | Current appointment to be confirmed |
The new medical and conditioning appointments will complete the support structure working alongside Zaheer Khan’s coaching group.
Frequently Asked Questions About CSK Coaching Staff
Who is the head coach of CSK in 2027?
Zaheer Khan is the head coach of Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2027. He was appointed on September 21, 2026, replacing Stephen Fleming.
Who is the bowling coach of CSK in 2027?
Mohit Sharma is CSK’s bowling coach for IPL 2027. The former Chennai Super Kings fast bowler was appointed on October 27, 2026, replacing Eric Simons.
Who is the batting coach of CSK in 2027?
CSK have not officially named a dedicated batting coach for IPL 2027. Albie Morkel, appointed as assistant coach, has been linked with batting responsibilities following Michael Hussey’s departure.
Who is the fielding coach of CSK in 2027?
James Foster is the fielding coach of Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2027. He was retained as part of the coaching group led by Zaheer Khan.
Who are the assistant coaches of CSK in 2027?
Albie Morkel and Gareth Batty joined CSK as assistant coaches on October 27, 2026. Sridharan Sriram has also been retained as part of the coaching staff, with an assistant bowling role reported.
Who was the CSK head coach before Zaheer Khan?
Stephen Fleming was CSK’s head coach from 2009 to 2026, following his appearance as a player in the inaugural IPL season in 2008. He guided Chennai Super Kings to five IPL titles.
Has CSK changed its coaching staff for IPL 2027?
Yes. CSK appointed Zaheer Khan as head coach and added Mohit Sharma, Albie Morkel and Gareth Batty to the coaching group. James Foster and Sridharan Sriram were retained, while several long-serving coaches and support staff departed.
