CSK Sends Off Michael Hussey Before IPL 2027 Auction Shake-Up
New Delhi, October 26: Ahead of the IPL 2027 auction, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have confirmed that batting coach Michael Hussey is leaving the franchise.
Hussey became part of the CSK setup after hanging up his playing boots. The franchise shared the news on its social media platforms on Monday, paying tribute to his long association with the club.
“You have been a vital part of the Chennai Super Kings family since the very first season in 2008,” the message read. “Your journey in yellow will be defined not just by the runs you made or the players you nurtured, but by your commitment, humility and loyalty across these years. ‘Hussmister’, you will always hold a special place in our history. Once a Super King, always a Super King.”
After failing to reach the playoffs in IPL 2024, 2025 and 2026, CSK has made several changes to its coaching group. Hussey's exit is part of this broader restructuring.
In the wider overhaul, Zaheer Khan, a former India pacer, has replaced Stephen Fleming as head coach. Former India and CSK fast bowler Mohit Sharma takes over as bowling coach from Eric Simons.
Simons and former CSK fielding coach James Foster have moved to the England Test team. Fleming, who spent 18 years as CSK's head coach, now holds the same role with England.
The franchise has not yet revealed who will take over the batting coach role. Gareth Batty, a former England off-spinner and Surrey head coach, will join as assistant coach.
As a player, Hussey made 1,768 runs for CSK over six seasons. He made his debut in 2008, sat out 2009, and then played four straight seasons from 2010 to 2013. He spent 2014 with Mumbai Indians before returning to CSK in 2015. In 2018, he became batting coach, a year in which the team lifted the trophy. CSK went on to win again in 2021 and 2023.
Attention will now turn to whether Hussey finds a new IPL role. Mumbai Indians, five-time champions, and Punjab Kings, two-time runners-up, still have vacant positions on their coaching staffs.