CSK Close In on Gareth Batty as Batting Coach for IPL 2027 as Talks Reach Final Stage

Batty Set for Chepauk Move as CSK Rebuild Coaching Staff

Chennai Super Kings are closing in on the appointment of former England off-spinner Gareth Batty as their new batting coach, with the franchise confirming that negotiations are at an advanced stage ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League season.

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan told TimesofIndia.com that a deal was imminent. "We are in discussions with him. The negotiations are underway, and an announcement is likely in a couple of days," Viswanathan said.

A Familiar Face for Zaheer Khan

The move would reunite Batty with CSK head coach Zaheer Khan, with whom he shares a strong working relationship that traces back to their time together at Worcestershire during their playing careers. That connection is understood to be a key factor in the franchise's pursuit of the 49-year-old.

Zaheer was named CSK's head coach in September 2026 (as reported on 2026-09-21), taking charge after the club's talks with Hemang Badani collapsed over contract terms. The former India pace spearhead is now assembling his backroom team, with Batty emerging as a leading target for the batting role.

A Decorated Coaching Résumé

Batty brings considerable pedigree to the role. He is currently the head coach of Surrey in the County Championship, where he guided the county to three consecutive Championship titles before the side finished second last year.

During his tenure at the Oval, several Surrey players earned Test call-ups — including Gus Atkinson, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope and Jamie Smith — underlining his reputation for developing top-level batting and all-round talent.

As a player, Batty represented England in nine Tests, 10 One-Day Internationals and one T20 International, carving out a career as a dependable off-spinning all-rounder.

What It Means for CSK

If confirmed, Batty's arrival would mark the latest significant piece of CSK's coaching overhaul, as the five-time IPL champions reshape their support staff under Zaheer's leadership. An official announcement is expected within days, with the franchise keen to have its backroom structure in place well before the build-up to IPL 2027.