Gareth Batty joins CSK as assistant coach; Mike Hussey exits

Chennai Super Kings have parted ways with batting coach Mike Hussey and appointed former England spinner Gareth Batty as assistant coach, as the franchise reshapes its support staff ahead of IPL 2027. The split with Hussey was announced on Monday.

Batty, 49, will work alongside head coach Zaheer Khan. Bowling coach Eric Simons has also been replaced, by former India pacer Mohit Sharma.

Who is Gareth Batty

Batty played nine Tests, ten ODIs and one T20I for England. He leaves Surrey after 21 years of association with the county, having guided the side to three successive County Championship titles between 2022 and 2024.

He and Zaheer previously overlapped at the English county Worcestershire. Batty said the move is an exciting new journey for him and his family, and that he is looking forward to getting started.

The wider reshuffle

Hussey had been CSK’s batting coach since 2018, after six seasons as a player for the franchise. The changes go well beyond his exit: Stephen Fleming has left to take charge of England’s Test team, and Zaheer has taken over as head coach.

Assistant coach Rajiv Kumar, fielding coach James Foster and physio Tommy Simsek will also not be part of the backroom staff from IPL 2027, according to a Deccan Herald report.

What’s next

Batty’s first assignment is retention work ahead of the 15 November deadline. After that he is expected to help shape the side’s plans for the mini-auction, set for Goa in mid-December, according to Outlook India.

Latest result on record

The most recent result in our database for the franchise is from Indian Premier League 2026: a loss to Gujarat Titans by 89 runs on 21 May, with the side bowled out for 140 in 13.4 overs. Before that, they lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad by 5 wickets on 18 May and to Lucknow Super Giants by 7 wickets on 15 May.