The Chennai Super Kings management has taken Mike Hussey off its coaching roster. The decision is part of a larger restructuring exercise that the franchise is planning ahead of the 2027 season, and the Australian legend appears to have no place in its current plans. But it is unlikely to be the end of the IPL road for him.
The removal of head coach Stephen Fleming and the appointment of Zaheer Khan in the New Zealander’s place are also part of this very revamp. Former bowling coach Eric Simons is already out, with Mohit Sharma coming in as his replacement.
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.
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.
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.
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