Zaheer Khan to Albie Morkel: Full list of CSK support staff for IPL 2027

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have officially overhauled their dugout ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 season, ushering in a fresh tactical era. Following the end of Stephen Fleming's historic stint at the helm, the franchise has assembled a revamped backroom group anchored by newly minted head coach Zaheer Khan and bolstered by returning franchise legends.  

The five-time champions CSK confirmed the appointments on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, bringing back former players Albie Morkel and Mohit Sharma while retaining key figures from the previous structure.⁠

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The New Look Chennai Super Kings Coaching Setup

1. Zaheer Khan - Head Coach

Zaheer Khan takes charge as CSK’s first Indian head coach in nearly two decades. The former India left-arm pacer, a key member of the 2011 World Cup-winning side, previously worked with Mumbai Indians (Director of Cricket Operations and later Global Head of Development) and Lucknow Super Giants (mentor). This is his first IPL head-coaching role. CSK’s leadership group, including inputs involving MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and others, backed the move. Fleming stepped away after guiding the franchise to five titles and multiple finals appearances.⁠

2. Albie Morkel - Assistant Coach

A quintessential Chennai Super Kings icon, Albie Morkel makes a high-profile return to the Yellow Army. Morkel, who was a pivotal all-rounder during CSK’s back-to-back championship runs in 2010 and 2011, has built a sturdy coaching pedigree in franchise leagues - including his elevation to head coach of Joburg Super Kings (JSK) in SA20. He joins the senior IPL staff to reinforce all-round performance and middle-order power hitting.

3. Mohit Sharma - Bowling Coach

Mohit Sharma, who played for CSK in 2014, 2015, and 2019 and claimed the Purple Cap in 2014 with 23 wickets, returns to his breakout franchise in a guidance capacity. Renowned for his clever back-of-the-hand slower deliveries, knuckleballs, and composure at the death, Mohit takes over bowling coach duties following the departure of Eric Simons. Working in tandem with Zaheer Khan, Mohit is tasked with tightening CSK’s execution in the crucial closing overs.

4. Gareth Batty - Assistant Coach

Gareth Batty, the former England off-spinner, arrives after a successful stint as Surrey head coach, where he led the county to three consecutive County Championship titles (2022–2024). He joins as an assistant coach.⁠

Meanwhile, James Foster (fielding) and Sridharan Sriram (assistant) have been retained, providing continuity amid the changes.⁠

Departures From CSK

CSK thanked outgoing staff including batting coach Michael Hussey, bowling coach Eric Simons, Rajiv Kumar, physiotherapist Tommy Simsek, and strength & conditioning coach Greg King for their contributions.

The changes follow three consecutive seasons without playoff qualification, with the franchise finishing eighth in IPL 2026.

CSK Support Staff For IPL 2027

Role                             Name                          Notes

Head Coach             Zaheer Khan            Replaced Stephen Fleming (2009-2026)

Bowling Coach         Mohit Sharma          Former CSK player; Purple Cap winner (2014)

Assistant Coach       Albie Morkel            Former CSK all-rounder (2008–2013); homecoming

Assistant Coach       Gareth Batty           Former Surrey head coach

Fielding Coach         James Foster          Retained

Assistant Coach      Sridharan Sriram     Retained (often associated with bowling)

A Blend Of Continuity And Strategic Evolution

The overhaul marks one of the most substantial strategic transitions in Chennai Super Kings' history. For over a decade and a half, the duo of MS Dhoni and Stephen Fleming defined the franchise's philosophy of stability and backing core combinations.

By pairing Zaheer Khan’s sharp tactical mindset with the institutional memory and dressing-room DNA of Albie Morkel and Mohit Sharma, CSK aim to balance fresh modern T20 insights with the calm, high-trust environment that has delivered five IPL titles.