Ahead of IPL 2027, Chennai Super Kings have made major changes in their coaching and support staff. Five members have departed, including Michael Hussey and Eric Simmons. The team will prepare for the new season under the leadership of new head coach Zaheer Khan.
Sports News: Five-time IPL champion Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be seen with a changed coaching staff in the next season. The franchise informed about the separation of five experienced members through social media on Monday, October 26. These include batting coach Michael Hussey, who has been associated with the team for a long time. Before this, the tenure of head coach Stephen Fleming has also ended. In his place, former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan has been given the responsibility.
Michael Hussey’s long journey with Chennai Super Kings ends
The departure of former Australian batsman Michael Hussey is a big change for Chennai Super Kings. Hussey was associated with the franchise from the first season of IPL in 2008. He worked for the team first as a player and later as a batting coach. Hussey took over the responsibility of CSK’s batting coach in 2018. Over the last eight years he worked with many of the team’s batsmen and helped them improve their technique.
The franchise remembered Hussey’s contribution on social media. CSK said that his journey with the team was not limited to just the runs scored on the field. His hard work in improving the players and dedication to the team for a long time will always be remembered.
Mohit Sharma will take over the responsibility of bowling in place of Eric Simmons.
Apart from Michael Hussey, Chennai has also decided to part ways with its bowling coach Eric Simmons. Simmons was part of the team’s coaching setup since 2018. He played an important role in the preparation of the bowlers and making strategies during the match. CSK has appreciated his work and wished him all the best for the future. After Simmons’ departure, former Indian fast bowler Mohit Sharma will take over the responsibility of bowling coach.
Mohit has previously played as a player for Chennai Super Kings. In such a situation, he is familiar with the team environment and way of working. Now they will have the challenge of preparing the bowling unit for the new season.
Rajeev Kumar and Tommy Simsek also separated from the team
Chennai Super Kings has also bid farewell to assistant coach Rajeev Kumar. Rajiv was involved in the training of players and team preparations for the last several years. The franchise has appreciated his time and contributions. The journey of experienced team physio Tommy Simsek has also come to an end. He was associated with CSK since 2008 and took care of the fitness of the players.
Tommy helped players recover from injuries and return to the field for many seasons. He also worked with the experienced team of Chennai, which was known to cricket fans as ‘Dad’s Army’. The departure of such a long-term support staff member is being considered a major change for the franchise.
Fitness coach Greg King also on leave
Chennai has also ended its journey with strength and conditioning coach Greg King. King used to handle the work related to physical preparation, fitness and training of the team players. The franchise said in its message that King had an important contribution in keeping the players ready for the challenges of every season. With his departure, there will be a need for changes in the fitness and medical support department of the team. Chennai will have to prepare new arrangements for these responsibilities before the new season.
Zaheer Khan faces the challenge of preparing a new team
After IPL 2026, Chennai Super Kings also parted ways with long-time head coach Stephen Fleming. After this, former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan was appointed the new head coach. Now the coaching setup of the team is being prepared afresh under the leadership of Zaheer. After changes in the departments related to batting, bowling and fitness, players will also have to adjust to the new coaches.