Gareth Batty in talks to become Chennai Super Kings batting coach ahead of IPL 2027

Former England off-spinner Gareth Batty is likely to join Chennai Super Kings as their batting coach ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said, with discussions reportedly under way.

Batty, 49, played nine Tests, 10 One-Day Internationals and one T20I for England during his playing career. The former player worked alongside incoming CSK head coach Zaheer Khan at Worcestershire, a relationship the report says has aided current talks. CSK have missed the IPL playoffs for the past two seasons and have begun altering their coaching staff as they prepare for 2027. Batty also led Surrey to three consecutive County Championship titles before the team finished second last year.

CSK chief executive Kasi Viswanathan confirmed the franchise is negotiating with Batty and provided a timeline for an announcement, saying: “We are in discussions with him. The negotiations are underway, and an announcement is likely in a couple of days.”

The report noted Batty’s experience with players in English domestic cricket and suggested that experience could be valuable as CSK rebuild their coaching setup ahead of the next IPL season.

Zaheer Khan has already been appointed CSK’s head coach for IPL 2027, replacing Stephen Fleming, who led the franchise for 16 years and guided them to five Indian Premier League titles. The change in the head-coaching role is part of a wider restructuring at the Chennai-based franchise.

Former India pacer Mohit Sharma has been confirmed as Chennai Super Kings’ bowling coach, a role Zaheer Khan recommended according to the report.

Although CSK have not officially announced Batty’s appointment, the club’s confirmation that negotiations are ongoing and Viswanathan’s comment that an announcement is likely in a couple of days indicate a decision may be imminent as the franchise seeks to recover from consecutive missed-postseason finishes and last-place standing in 2025.