New Delhi: The management has decided to part ways with batting coach Mike Hussey ahead of the IPL 2027 season.
According to a Cricbuzz report, the decision has been taken as part of a larger restructuring exercise that CSK is planning heading into the IPL 2027 mini-auction. The franchise had earlier appointed former India pacer as head coach, replacing New Zealand’s Stephen Fleming as part of this revamp.
Mohit Sharma has also replaced Eric Simons as CSK’s bowling coach. The future of the franchise’s fielding coach, James Foster, is also uncertain. The former England cricketer had joined CSK last year and has reportedly been informed of the situation.
No decision yet on Hussey’s replacement
CSK is yet to decide on Mike Hussey’s replacement. Hussey served as the franchise’s batting coach for eight years and also played for CSK in the IPL for six years. The legendary Australian batter joined CSK as a player in 2008 and, after missing the 2009 edition, represented the franchise for four back-to-back seasons from 2010 to 2013.
He returned to CSK in 2015 after playing for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the 2014 season. Hussey then became the Chennai-based franchise’s batting coach in 2018, working under Fleming. As per the report, Hussey has been formally informed of the franchise’s decision.
Hussey shared a good professional rapport with CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, but the former Australian batter has now become part of the wider overhaul underway at the franchise. According to a Cricbuzz report, Hussey has been in contact with a few franchises and might take up a role in another IPL team.
The appointment of Zaheer and Mohit bears MS Dhoni’s strong imprint, and the same is likely for future recruits as well. CSK sources told Cricbuzz that the final decision on the remaining coaching positions will be taken after owner Rupa Gurunath returns to India from South Africa, where she took part in the SA20 Auction. Zaheer and Dhoni will also be consulted before the decision is made.