Chennai Super Kings remove Mike Hussey from coaching set-up

Chennai Super Kings management has taken Mike Hussey off its coaching roster in a larger restructuring exercise planned ahead of the 2027 season, and the Australian legend appears to have no place in its current plans.

The move comes alongside the removal of head coach Stephen Fleming and the appointment of Zaheer Khan in his place, as well as the exit of former bowling coach Eric Simons, who has been replaced by Mohit Sharma. The changes signal a wholesale revamp of the support staff.

Foster's future in limbo

The future of James Foster, CSK's fielding coach, is uncertain. It is learnt that a decision on his extension has been kept in abeyance for the time being. Foster, a former England international, joined the franchise last year and has apparently been informed of the situation. He did not respond to a query from this website.

Hussey's long association with CSK

It is not yet known who will replace Hussey, who has served as CSK's batting coach for eight years after completing a six-year stint as a player. Hussey joined CSK as a player in 2008 and, after opting out of the 2009 season, represented the franchise for four consecutive seasons from 2010 to 2013. He returned in 2015 after spending a year with Mumbai Indians in 2014.

He has been the team's batting coach since 2018, working under Fleming. Cricbuzz understands that Hussey has been formally informed of the CSK decision. Asked to look back on his time at CSK, the Australian, once known as Mr. Cricket, declined to comment.

Hussey was known to share a good professional rapport with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, but he has become part of the larger purge the franchise is carrying out. It is learnt that he has been in touch with a few teams. It would not be a surprise if he lands a gig in the IPL next year.

Dhoni's imprint on appointments

It is evident that the CSK appointments so far — those of Zaheer and Mohit — bear MS Dhoni's strong imprint, and it is quite possible that the same is true of future recruits as well. CSK sources say the final decisions on the remaining coaching positions will be taken once owner Rupa Gurunath, who was recently in South Africa for the SA20 auction, returns to India. There will be consultations with Zaheer and, of course, Dhoni.