Sports · Cricket · 8 hrs ago
Chennai Super Kings confirm five coaching staff departures
Chennai Super Kings confirmed five coaching staff departures ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League auction.
The departing staff include batting coach Michael Hussey and bowling coach Eric Simmons, along with Rajiv Kumar, Tommy Simsek and Greg King.
Hussey had served CSK for eight years, while Simmons had been with the team since 2018.
New head coach Zaheer Khan is leading the overhaul after replacing long-serving coach Stephen Fleming.
CSK, five-time IPL champions, failed to reach the playoffs in 2025 and 2026.
Gareth Batty is leaving Surrey to join CSK, where he is expected to serve as an assistant coach under Zaheer.
Chennai Super Kings have announced departures among their coaching and support staff ahead of the 2027 IPL season.
Batting coach Michael Hussey and bowling coach Eric Simons are among those leaving after serving since 2018.
Assistant coach Rajiv Kumar is also confirmed to have left, while reports differ on the number and identities of other departing staff.
CSK have appointed former India pacer Zaheer Khan as head coach, replacing Stephen Fleming.
Former England spinner Gareth Batty has joined CSK as an assistant coach.
- Who
- Chennai Super Kings and departing staff including Michael Hussey, Eric Simons and Rajiv Kumar.
- What
- CSK announced departures among its coaching and support staff ahead of the 2027 IPL season.
- When
- The announcements were made on October 26, 2026.
- Where
- Chennai Super Kings, the IPL franchise based in Chennai.
- Why
- The changes follow Zaheer Khan’s appointment as head coach. News18 says he wanted a fresh support staff.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Michael Hussey and Eric Simons joined CSK’s coaching setup.
CSK won the IPL title.
CSK finished fifth in the IPL.
CSK finished 10th in the IPL and appointed Zaheer Khan as head coach, replacing Stephen Fleming.
CSK announced staff departures and Gareth Batty’s arrival ahead of the 2027 season.
- Departing staff
- Michael Hussey, Eric Simons and Rajiv Kumar
- Hussey and Simons
- Joined CSK’s coaching setup in 2018
- New head coach
- Zaheer Khan
- New assistant coach
- Gareth Batty
- Next season
- IPL 2027
5 sources
CSK part ways with Mike Hussey, Eric Simons in major support staff overhaul
Chennai Super Kings Confirm Exit Of Five Coaching Staff As Ex-Champions Eye Fresh Start Under Coach Zaheer Khan
CSK part ways with Michael Hussey in major coaching overhaul ahead of IPL 2027
CSK Confirm 5 Coaches, Including Michael Hussey, Have Left The Franchise
Chennai Super Kings bid farewell to batting coach Michael Hussey, other staff
What people are saying
From the very first season in 2008, you have been an integral part of the Chennai Super Kings family
An integral part of the Chennai Super Kings coaching setup since 2018, Eric Simons has played an important role in shaping our bowling unit and contributing to the team’s success over the years.
The new journey is a very exciting one for my family and I with CSK in the IPL and I’m looking forward to getting going
Posts on X
From the very first season in 2008, you have been an integral part of the Chennai Super Kings family. Your journey in Yellow has been defined not just by the runs you scored and the players you mentored, but by the dedication, humility, and unwavering commitment you brought to
Official Announcement: An integral part of the Chennai Super Kings coaching setup since 2018, Eric Simons has played an important role in shaping our bowling unit and contributing to the team's success over the years. We extend our sincere gratitude for your dedicated service