IPL 2027: Chennai Super Kings Likely to Enter the Tournament Without a Batting Coach

New Delhi, Oct 29: In a bizarre turn of events, five-time Champions Chennai Super Kings will enter the new season of IPL without any dedicated batting coach. After three disappointing IPL seasons where the Super Kings failed to reach the playoffs, the franchise decided to take a U-turn and hit a full reset button to clear out most of its coaching staff.

Head coach Stephen Fleming and batting coach Michael Hussey faced the axe during this 'cleaning drive'. CSK CEO Kasi Vishwanathan said, as quoted by Sportstar, "Our coaching staff is complete. Whoever we announced yesterday will form our backroom team; we will not have a batting coach."

Ambati Rayudu and Suresh Raina had emerged as potential candidates in online discussions to replace Hussey. However, neither former cricketer will assume the position, as the franchise has opted against appointing a dedicated specialist for the role.

On Tuesday, CSK unveiled additional appointments, bringing Mohit Sharma into the setup as bowling coach and Albie Morkel as an assistant coach. Gareth Batty, who guided Surrey to three consecutive County Championship titles, has also joined the coaching group as a second assistant coach.

Among the previous season's support personnel, Sridharan Sriram and James Foster will continue in their respective positions as assistant coach and fielding coach.

Although the franchise will proceed without a designated batting coach, an alternative arrangement remains under consideration. Viswanathan indicated that Batty could potentially contribute in an advisory capacity focused on batting.

Explaining the situation, the CSK CEO said, "It's a decision taken by Zaheer (on not having a batting coach). But yes, we are exploring the option of using Batty as a batting mentor. Discussions are ongoing."

Consequently, Chennai are currently the only franchise expected to enter the 2027 IPL season without a formally appointed batting coach.

Meanwhile, speculation surrounding a possible move involving Hardik Pandya and CSK remains unresolved. Addressing the reports, Viswanathan offered no confirmation, saying, "No developments on that front to my knowledge."