Chennai Super Kings are going through a wholesale change in their coaching line-up. This time, they have appointed Zaheer Khan as the new head coach after parting ways with long-time coach Stephen Fleming. That’s not all. There were four more exits: Eric Simons (bowling coach), Greg King (strength and conditioning coach), Tommy Simsek (physiotherapist), and Rajiv Kumar (assistant batting coach).
The five-time champions failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2025 and 2026. On Monday, CSK announced the departure of long-serving batting coach Mike Hussey, continuing the sweeping revamp of the backroom staff ahead of IPL 2027. Hussey took over as CSK’s batting coach in 2018 after playing six seasons for the franchise.
Chennai Super Kings are going through a wholesale change in their coaching line-up. The five-time champions failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2025 and 2026
“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,” the statement read. The disappointing run prompted the franchise to end its long association with head coach Stephen Fleming, who has moved on to take charge of England’s Test team.
“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. Rajiv Kumar, the team’s assistant batting coach, and fielding coach James Foster will also not be part of the backroom staff from IPL 2027. The five-time champions have been below par since winning the league in 2023, finishing fifth (2024), 10th (2025), and eighth (2026) in the subsequent seasons.
“From the very first season in 2008, you have been an integral part of the Chennai Super Kings family,” CSK said on its social media handles while announcing the decision to part ways with Hussey.
