CSK appoint Albie Morkel as assistant coach for IPL 2027 in Zaheer Khan-led setup

Morkel returns to the yellow brigade as IPL 2027 rebuild takes shape

Former South African all-rounder Albie Morkel has been appointed assistant coach of the Chennai Super Kings ahead of the IPL 2027 season, the franchise confirmed. The 45-year-old reunites with the side he served as a player during its formative years, stepping into a fresh coaching structure led by head coach Zaheer Khan as CSK look to add to their tally of five IPL titles.

Morkel was a cornerstone of the Super Kings from the inaugural IPL season in 2008 through 2013, turning out in 92 matches for the franchise. He won two IPL crowns with CSK in 2010 and 2011, as well as the Champions League T20 in 2010.

Albie Morkel was a key member of the CSK setup from IPL 2008 to 2013

New-look support staff around Zaheer Khan

Morkel's move to Chennai comes months after he was elevated to head coach of the Joburg Super Kings in the SA20 in July this year, taking over from Stephen Fleming, who stepped down from the position. At CSK, he will work alongside Gareth Batty, who left his role as Surrey head coach to join as an assistant coach.

The bowling department will be overseen by former India fast bowler Mohit Sharma, whose appointment as bowling coach was confirmed by Cricbuzz on September 29. Khan's own elevation to the CSK top job had been reported on September 21, when the franchise named him head coach after discussions with Hemang Badani broke down over contract terms. At the time, a source tracking developments noted that Morkel's appointment to the Joburg Super Kings had complicated the conversations with Badani, with the duration of the contract the real deal-breaker.

Squad retention the immediate priority

The coaching group's first order of business will be to finalise the squad retention list ahead of the mini auction scheduled for December. With a new support staff in place, CSK's preparations for IPL 2027 are now firmly underway.