Zaheer Khan, who replaced long-serving coach Stephen Fleming, held his first formal meeting with the CSK management in Chennai on Monday to finalise the support staff.
Albie Morkel has returned to Chennai Super Kings after 13 years as assistant coach ahead of IPL 2027, joining the coaching setup led by Zaheer Khan. CSK have also appointed Gareth Batty as assistant coach and Mohit Sharma as bowling coach as the franchise prepares for the upcoming season.
The decision marks the end of a pivotal chapter in the franchise’s history, as CSK seek to recalibrate their tactical core following challenging campaigns in the last three IPL seasons.
The CSK move brings down the curtain on Gareth Batty’s 21-year association with Surrey - serving the club as a player, captain and then coach. Batty took charge as head coach in 2022 and guided Surrey to three successive County Championship titles.