Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 26: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have parted ways with batting coach Michael Hussey ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 auction, bringing an end to the former Australian batter’s long association with the five-time champions.
Hussey had been serving as CSK’s batting coach since 2018, following the end of his playing career. The franchise confirmed his departure on Monday through a tribute posted on its social media handles.
“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 this franchise over the years. Your place in our history will forever remain special, Hussmeister. Once a Super King, always a Super King,” CSK said in its post.
Hussey’s exit comes as part of a broader overhaul of the franchise’s coaching staff ahead of the 2027 season, following the team’s failure to reach the playoffs in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
Head coach Stephen Fleming has been replaced by former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan, while bowling coach Eric Simons has made way for former India and CSK pacer Mohit Sharma.
Simons and former CSK fielding coach James Foster have joined the England Test team, where Fleming is now the head coach after ending his 18-year stint with the Chennai franchise.
CSK are yet to announce Hussey’s successor, although former England off-spinner and Surrey head coach Gareth Batty is set to join the team as an assistant coach.
Hussey enjoyed a successful playing career with CSK, scoring 1,768 runs across six seasons. He joined the franchise in 2008, missed the 2009 edition and then played four consecutive seasons from 2010 to 2013.
After spending the 2014 season with Mumbai Indians, he returned to CSK in 2015. He took over as batting coach in 2018, helping the team win the title that year. CSK went on to lift the championship again in 2021 and 2023.
It remains to be seen whether Hussey will join another IPL franchise’s coaching staff, with five-time champions Mumbai Indians and two-time runners-up Punjab Kings among the teams reported to have coaching vacancies.
With the player retention deadline set for November 15, Zaheer, Mohit and Batty, along with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and the franchise’s top management, will need to finalise CSK’s plans ahead of the mini auction scheduled to be held in Goa on December 16.