CSK Batting Coach 2027: Suresh Raina Interested as Zaheer Khan Builds His Staff

Chennai Super Kings have confirmed Zaheer Khan as their new head coach for IPL 2027, but the franchise has not officially announced its new batting coach. Suresh Raina has expressed his desire to return to CSK as a mentor or coach, while current reporting indicates that the franchise is exploring an overseas candidate for a coaching role likely to be batting coach. Zaheer Khan has been given authority over the support staff.

That means Raina is part of the wider coaching conversation, but he has not been confirmed as CSK batting coach for IPL 2027.

CSK Batting Coach 2027 Latest Update

The coaching structure is changing after Stephen Fleming’s departure from CSK following an 18 year association with the franchise. Zaheer Khan was officially appointed head coach on September 21, 2026. The Indian Express reports that he has a one year contract with the possibility of an extension and will have the authority to choose his support staff.

The most significant detail is the batting coach position. The Indian Express reports that CSK is still looking for an overseas candidate for one coaching role, which is likely to be the batting coach position.

Why Suresh Raina Is Back in the CSK Coaching Conversation

Raina himself has opened the door to a return.

In comments reported by Prabhat Khabar on September 2, 2026, Raina said he had expressed his desire to join CSK for IPL 2027 as a mentor or coach and had already communicated that wish to the management. He also made clear that the decision rests with CSK.

That distinction matters.

Raina has expressed interest. CSK has not announced him as a coach. There is also no reliable public confirmation that he has been named one of the final candidates specifically for the batting coach position.

The connection is understandable given Raina’s long association with the franchise. The official IPL profile lists him as a 205 match IPL player and identifies him as a batter who made his IPL debut in 2008.

For CSK supporters, his potential return would therefore represent more than a routine coaching appointment. Raina remains closely associated with the franchise’s playing era, but his interest should not be confused with a completed hiring decision.

For more team specific developments, see the Chennai Super Kings IPL 2027 team page.

Why CSK May Need a New Batting Coach

The timing of the coaching restructure is significant.

CSK finished the 2026 IPL league stage with 6 wins and 8 defeats, collecting 12 points and ending the season eighth in the official points table.

The franchise has also missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, increasing the pressure for a reset ahead of IPL 2027. The appointment of Zaheer therefore represents a wider change rather than a simple replacement for Fleming.

Batting is naturally one of the areas under the spotlight.

Michael Hussey was CSK’s batting coach in the previous setup, and his future under Zaheer remains unresolved. At the same time, current reporting about an overseas candidate suggests that the batting department may be one of the areas where Zaheer wants a fresh appointment.

That is why the Raina story is interesting, but it is still too early to call him the next batting coach.

What Happens to Michael Hussey?

Michael Hussey’s position deserves separate attention because some IPL 2027 pages are already listing him as CSK’s batting coach.

That status has not been officially established.

Hussey was part of CSK’s previous coaching setup as batting coach. However, after turning down England’s Test batting coach position, he agreed to a part time consultancy role with Cricket Australia, while maintaining other professional commitments.

Khel Now has also reported that Hussey’s CSK role for IPL 2027 is yet to be confirmed.

So for now, the accurate position is simple: Hussey was CSK’s batting coach in the previous setup, but his IPL 2027 role has not been officially confirmed.

Readers tracking the full squad and coaching changes can also follow the IPL 2027 squads page.

Who Decides the CSK Coaching Staff for IPL 2027?

This is another point where online reports can easily create confusion.

MS Dhoni was involved in the management decision that led to Zaheer Khan being appointed head coach. CSK managing director Kasi Viswanathan said Dhoni was part of that decision making group. However, Viswanathan also made clear that Zaheer would decide the support staff.

So the available evidence does not support saying that Dhoni and Zaheer have publicly been confirmed as joint final decision makers specifically for the batting coach appointment.

The better reading is that Dhoni played a role in choosing the head coach, while Zaheer has authority over the coaching support structure he will work with during IPL 2027.

That makes Zaheer’s next staff announcement the key development to watch.

What CSK Fans Should Watch Next

The next meaningful update will be the official confirmation of the support staff.

Three questions matter most:

Who becomes the batting coach?
The Indian Express report points toward an overseas candidate being explored.

Does Suresh Raina receive a formal role?
Raina has already expressed interest, but CSK has not announced an appointment.

Does Michael Hussey continue?
His 2027 status remains open, despite some websites already publishing him as confirmed.

The answer to these questions will also shape CSK’s broader preparation for the IPL 2027 auction. You can follow the latest developments on the IPL 2027 auction page and the wider IPL 2027 news.

CSK Batting Coach FAQs

Who is CSK head coach for IPL 2027?

Zaheer Khan was confirmed as Chennai Super Kings head coach on September 21, 2026.

Is Suresh Raina the CSK batting coach for IPL 2027?

CSK has not officially appointed Raina as batting coach. Raina has expressed interest in joining CSK as a mentor or coach.

Who will choose the CSK support staff for IPL 2027?

CSK managing director Kasi Viswanathan said Zaheer Khan will decide the support staff.

Is Michael Hussey confirmed as CSK batting coach for IPL 2027?

No official confirmation has been found. Hussey was the previous batting coach, but his IPL 2027 position remains unconfirmed.

Did MS Dhoni appoint Zaheer Khan?

CSK management included Dhoni in the decision making process, and reporting has described his recommendation as influential. However, Zaheer has control over selecting his support staff.