Albie Morkel Returns to CSK as Assistant Coach, Mohit Sharma Confirmed as Bowling Coach for IPL 2027

Chennai Super Kings have officially appointed former South Africa all-rounder Albie Morkel as assistant coach and former India pacer Mohit Sharma as bowling coach for IPL 2027. Both will work under new head coach Zaheer Khan as the five-time champions rebuild their coaching staff following three consecutive seasons without reaching the playoffs.

CSK confirmed both appointments on October 27, 2026. Morkel returns to the franchise he represented from 2008 to 2013, while Mohit takes over the bowling department previously managed by Eric Simons.

Their arrivals follow Gareth Batty’s appointment as assistant coach and the departures of several long-serving members of Stephen Fleming’s coaching team.

CSK Confirm Albie Morkel and Mohit Sharma’s Coaching Appointments

Chennai Super Kings announced the appointments through their official social media accounts on Tuesday.

The Albie Morkel announcement confirmed his return as assistant coach, while a separate CSK announcement confirmed Mohit Sharma’s appointment as bowling coach.

Mohit’s move had been reported in September, when CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan revealed that Zaheer Khan was considering the former India fast bowler for the position.

The October 27 announcement confirms that the appointment has been completed.

The announcements bring two former CSK players into the franchise’s new coaching structure.

Chennai Super Kings Coaching Staff for IPL 2027

Chennai have now confirmed four key coaching appointments under Zaheer Khan.

Both Morkel and Batty have been appointed assistant coaches, meaning Chennai will have more than one coach working directly beneath Zaheer.

However, CSK have not separately confirmed who will hold the specialist batting-coach position previously occupied by Michael Hussey.

The complete coaching structure and updated squad information can be followed on the Chennai Super Kings IPL 2027 team page.

Albie Morkel Returns to Chennai Super Kings After 13 Years

Morkel was an important member of Chennai’s early IPL success under MS Dhoni.

The former South African all-rounder represented CSK between 2008 and 2013, contributing with aggressive lower-order batting and medium-pace bowling.

He was part of the Chennai teams that won consecutive IPL championships in 2010 and 2011.

Morkel became particularly valuable because he could contribute in different match situations. He could accelerate an innings, bowl with the new ball or provide additional overs when required.

His return brings someone familiar with CSK’s playing culture and the demands of franchise cricket.

Unlike a coach joining Chennai for the first time, Morkel has experience working within the wider Super Kings organisation.

Albie Morkel Is Also Joburg Super Kings Head Coach

An important part of Morkel’s coaching background is his recent appointment as head coach of Joburg Super Kings in South Africa’s SA20.

He was promoted to that position in July 2026, replacing Stephen Fleming.

Morkel had previously served as an assistant coach within the Joburg Super Kings setup and has also been involved with Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket.

The SA20 season begins in January 2027, before the expected IPL window.

His work across the Super Kings network gives him experience with player development, team planning and franchise operations.

His CSK appointment is as assistant coach, while his separate Joburg Super Kings appointment is as head coach. No change to his SA20 position has been announced.

Mohit Sharma Returns as CSK Bowling Coach After Winning the IPL Purple Cap

Mohit Sharma previously played for Chennai Super Kings during the early stages of his IPL career.

He represented the franchise in 48 IPL matches and developed into an important Indian fast-bowling option.

His most successful season came in IPL 2014, when he claimed 23 wickets and won the Purple Cap as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker.

Mohit was particularly effective with his slower deliveries, changes of pace and ability to bowl according to the conditions.

He later represented Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals during his IPL career.

After retiring from professional cricket in December 2025, Mohit is now returning to Chennai in a coaching capacity.

His appointment replaces Eric Simons, who had worked with the franchise’s fast bowlers under Stephen Fleming.

What Can Mohit Sharma Bring to CSK’s Bowling Attack?

Mohit’s appointment gives Zaheer Khan a specialist coach with extensive IPL experience as an Indian fast bowler.

His playing career included success with both the new ball and variations on slower surfaces.

That experience could be useful at Chennai’s home ground, MA Chidambaram Stadium, where bowlers often need to adjust their lengths and pace according to the pitch.

The immediate areas of focus could include:

• Powerplay bowling: Improving line, length and early wicket-taking plans.
• Death-over variations: Developing reliable slower balls, yorkers and changes of pace.
• Indian pace development: Helping younger bowlers improve consistency and handle different match situations.

These are potential areas where Mohit’s experience can help. CSK have not announced a detailed training programme or individual player assignments.

Zaheer’s presence as head coach gives Chennai another experienced former international fast bowler in the coaching setup.

The main challenge will be turning that combined experience into improved performances during IPL 2027.

Why CSK Have Rebuilt Their Coaching Staff

The latest appointments follow Chennai’s decision to move away from the coaching structure led by Stephen Fleming.

Fleming guided CSK to five IPL championships but left after the franchise failed to reach the playoffs in three consecutive seasons.

Chennai’s recent struggles led to changes across multiple departments.

Michael Hussey, Eric Simons and Rajiv Kumar have received official farewell messages from the franchise.

Gareth Batty has joined after guiding Surrey to three consecutive County Championship titles between 2022 and 2024.

The appointments of Morkel and Mohit further establish Zaheer’s preferred coaching team.

The departures and previous coaching responsibilities are covered in the CSK coaching staff exit report.

How the New Coaching Staff Could Influence CSK’s IPL 2027 Auction

The appointments come before an important period of squad decisions.

Chennai must assess its existing players ahead of the reported November 15 retention deadline.

The IPL 2027 mini auction is currently planned for December 16 in Goa.

Zaheer, Batty, Morkel and Mohit will have different experience to contribute when Chennai evaluate their squad.

Morkel’s all-round background could be useful when assessing batting depth and additional bowling options.

Mohit can contribute to the evaluation of Indian fast bowlers and specialist pace requirements.

Batty brings experience in team management and player development after his successful tenure at Surrey.

However, no player release, signing or trade has been officially announced as a direct result of these coaching appointments.

The final auction strategy will depend on confirmed retentions, available squad positions and the franchise’s remaining purse.

Who Are CSK’s Assistant and Bowling Coaches for IPL 2027?

Albie Morkel and Gareth Batty are Chennai Super Kings’ confirmed assistant coaches for IPL 2027. Mohit Sharma is the bowling coach, while Zaheer Khan is the head coach.

Both Morkel and Mohit previously represented CSK as players, making their appointments a return to familiar surroundings.

As of October 27, 2026, their roles are officially confirmed. Chennai’s remaining specialist coaching responsibilities have not all been publicly detailed.

The immediate priority is preparing the new coaching group for retention decisions and the mini auction as CSK aim to return to the IPL playoffs in 2027.