Former India Captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has expressed uncertainty over Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) decision to appoint Gareth Batty as Assistant Coach for IPL 2027, despite welcoming the franchise’s extensive coaching overhaul under new Head Coach Zaheer Khan.
Batty, the former England off-spinner who enjoyed considerable success as a coach with Surrey, is among several new appointments made by CSK as the five-time IPL champions prepare for a new era following the departure of long-serving Head Coach Stephen Fleming.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Cheeky Cheeka, Srikkanth said, “I am not sure about Gareth Batty. I’ve no clue who he is. Maybe he is brilliant, but I am not sure.”
Gareth Batty brings county championship experience to CSK
Batty arrives at Chennai Super Kings with an extensive background in English domestic cricket, having established himself both as a player and as a coach.
The former off-spinner represented England in nine Tests, ten ODIs and one T20I, while his domestic playing career produced more than 9,000 runs and 900 wickets across formats.
He also made over 350 appearances for Surrey, claiming more than 500 wickets for the county before moving into coaching.
Batty took charge of Surrey in 2022 and oversaw three consecutive County Championship triumphs between 2022 and 2024. The team subsequently finished runners-up in the 2025 competition.
His coaching experience also includes assignments with Oval Invincibles and MI London in The Hundred. Batty previously shared a dressing room with Zaheer during their time at Worcestershire, giving the pair an existing connection ahead of their collaboration at CSK.
Srikkanth welcomes Albie Morkel’s return to Chennai Super Kings
While Batty is a new addition to the franchise, fellow Assistant Coach Albie Morkel returns to an organisation where he previously enjoyed considerable success as a player.
The former South Africa all-rounder was part of CSK‘s championship-winning squads and brings first-hand experience of the team’s environment to Zaheer’s coaching group.
Srikkanth backed the appointment, saying, “Albie Morkel is a good choice as he has played for them and been part of championship teams. He knows the CSK culture and was a committed cricketer. From what I know, he is the perfect team man.”
Morkel is one of two former CSK players returning in coaching capacities, with Mohit Sharma also joining the franchise as Bowling Coach.
The appointments form part of a substantially revised support structure that combines former franchise players with coaches who have worked in different cricketing environments.
CSK begin a new chapter after Stephen Fleming’s departure
The coaching reshuffle marks the end of one of the IPL’s longest-established backroom arrangements.
Fleming’s departure after 16 years as Head Coach, following his move to take charge of England’s Test team, has been accompanied by the exits of several experienced support staff members.
Michael Hussey, Eric Simons, Rajiv Kumar, Tommy Simsek and Greg King have also left the franchise, bringing significant changes to a coaching group that contributed to CSK’s success across multiple IPL campaigns.
Two members of the previous setup will remain. James Foster continues as Fielding Coach, while Sridharan Sriram retains his position as Assistant Coach.
Zaheer now leads a reorganised department featuring Batty, Morkel and Mohit Sharma alongside the retained staff.
Reflecting on the broader changes, Srikkanth added, “But it’s good that CSK have done a complete overhaul and have a fresh engine with new oil. A new look is important for CSK, and they have to move on. Changes had to be made. Though I am not sure about Batty, CSK must have done their homework to appoint him. So he must be a good coach.”
The changes establish a new leadership structure for CSK ahead of IPL 2027, with Zaheer overseeing the franchise’s preparations following the conclusion of Fleming’s lengthy tenure.
Srikkanth predicts Hardik Pandya will stay with Mumbai Indians
Beyond CSK’s coaching appointments, Srikkanth also addressed the speculation surrounding Mumbai Indians (MI) Captain Hardik Pandya, whose future has become a subject of discussion ahead of IPL 2027.
Pandya has been linked with potential moves to Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders, although no transfer has been confirmed.
The India all-rounder returned to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans in 2024 and has captained the franchise through three contrasting campaigns.
MI finished tenth in 2024, recovered to fourth place in 2025 and subsequently slipped to ninth in 2026.
Despite the speculation surrounding Pandya, Srikkanth expects him to remain with Mumbai Indians for the upcoming season.
He stated, “With all these rumors associating him with all teams, I have a feeling he won’t go anywhere and will remain in MI. They’ll end up retaining him for one more season and then probably release him for the mega auction.”
For Chennai Super Kings, the immediate confirmed developments remain the appointment of Zaheer and the formation of a new coaching team featuring Batty, Morkel and Mohit Sharma, as the franchise prepares for IPL 2027 under different leadership.
