MS Dhoni to play under New Coach as former KKR staff joins CSK for IPL 2026

Add as a preferred source on Google

James Foster, who served as fielding coach and assistant coach for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) across multiple seasons, has been named the new fielding coach for Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Foster joins the CSK backroom staff as he'll collaborate under head coach Stephen Fleming, alongside batting coach Michael Hussey and bowling coach Eric Simons.

Who is James Foster?

The former England wicketkeeper, with 23 international caps from 2001 to 2009, transitioned to coaching after retiring in 2018. Foster was also part of the England team which toured India in 2001-02, a series that ended 3-3.

His franchise success includes leading Desert Vipers to the ILT20 title in January, plus recent stints as assistant coach for Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred. Foster has also contributed to England and New Zealand's international setups. The 45-year-old joined KKR in the IPL 2023 season and was also appointed as fielding coach of Pakistan Super League team Peshawar Zalmi, a move which couldn't materialize as Foster didn't join for personal reasons.

CSK begin IPL 2026 campaign against RR

The five-time IPL winners, who slumped to last place in IPL 2025 with just four victories in 14 games, kick off their IPL 2026 campaign on March 30 against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. Upcoming fixtures include Punjab Kings (April 3, home), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (April 5, away), and Delhi Capitals (April 11, home).

MS Dhoni and co. look for a better Outing

At CSK, he'll focus on sharpening fielding skills, working directly with wicketkeepers like MS Dhoni, CSK's legendary ex-captain and T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament Sanju Samson, CSK's latest signing. Apart from Sanju, the Super Kings also roped in a few exciting talents in the IPL 2026 mini auction.

Young uncapped Indian players Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer were signed for Rs 14.2 crore each, while they have also signed India batter Sarfaraz Khan, New Zealand pacer Matt Henry among the international names.