IPL 2027: Gareth Batty likely to join CSK support staff

NEW DELHI: Former England international Gareth Batty is likely to join the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) support team as the franchise hits the reset button to return to its glory days. The 49-year-old is understood to share a good relationship with CSK head coach Zaheer Khan, dating back to when he played for Worcestershire.“We are in talks with him. Negotiations are on and an announcement is likely to be made in a few days,” CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan told TimesofIndia.com.Hours after the website first reported the development, Surrey confirmed their head coach’s decision to step down and take up a new role in the Indian Premier League.“Thank you seems enough for what Surrey has meant to me. It has been an honor to serve this great club, to share in its success and challenges.”“The new journey is very exciting for my family and me with CSK in the IPL and I am looking forward to going.“I’d like to give a special thanks to Stewie, he’s been there all along – thanks for the memories and your trust in me, boss.“Clubs are built on more than results and trophies, they are built on people, loyalty and a shared sense of purpose and I look forward to my third chapter as a fan. Thank you,” Batty was quoted as saying by the club’s website.Batty, who played nine Tests, 10 ODIs and one T20I for England, led Surrey to three consecutive championships before the team finished runners-up last year. During his tenure, several Surrey players earned Test invitations, including Gus Atkinson, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope and Jamie Smith.CSK have endured a tough run in the IPL in recent years. They have failed to make the playoffs since winning the title in 2023 – Dhoni’s final season as full-time captain. A bottom finish in 2025 has forced the franchise to rethink its approach.Last month, CSK appointed former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan as the team’s head coach for IPL 2027. He replaces Stephen Fleming, who held the role for 16 years and led the franchise to five IPL titles.As reported by this website earlier, former India pacer Mohit Sharma will also join Zaheer’s support staff as bowling coach.CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed the development. “Mohit will be joining CSK as our new bowling coach. His name was recommended to us by our head coach Zaheer Khan. Mohit has also been great with us as a player and we hope he will do a great job as a bowling coach,” said Viswanathan.The IPL giants have officially parted ways with Eric Simmons and Michael Hussey. Simmons has been part of the coaching staff since 2018 and the former Australian batsman has been with the Yellow Army since 2008.