Mike Hussey’s long CSK link has reached a turning point. Chennai Super Kings have ended Mike Hussey’s spell as batting coach, according to Cricbuzz, closing one of the longest links between the franchise and its coaching staff. The future of fielding coach James Foster, however, remains undecided as CSK reshapes its support team before IPL 2027.
Cricbuzz reported the changes on October 9, 2026. Its exclusive report said CSK had taken Hussey off the coaching roster and formally informed him of the decision. This is a reported formal departure, not speculation about a possible change.
Hussey’s exit is part of a wider rebuild. Stephen Fleming is no longer head coach, with Zaheer Khan appointed in his place. Former bowling coach Eric Simons is also out, while Mohit Sharma has come in as replacement in that role. CSK have not yet identified Hussey’s successor as batting coach.
In This IPL Update
Foster’S Position Is Still Open
Foster’s case is different. Cricbuzz reported that a decision on extending the former England international’s contract has been kept in abeyance. He was said to have been informed of the situation, but there was no confirmation that he had left the franchise. Foster did not respond to a Cricbuzz query, according to the report.
That distinction matters. As of October 14, CSK’s reported decision is to part ways with Hussey. Foster’s position is still under review. Any claim that Foster has already departed would go beyond the available evidence.
Foster joined CSK as fielding coach last year, according to Cricbuzz. He had been part of the franchise’s coaching structure during the most recent season, but the new management is still deciding which roles will remain in place for 2027.
A Major CSK Coaching Reset
Hussey’s relationship with CSK stretches back much further than his coaching years. He first joined the franchise as a player in 2008. After missing the 2009 season, he played for CSK from 2010 to 2013 and returned in 2015 after a season with Mumbai Indians.
He moved into the batting coach role in 2018 and worked under Fleming. Cricbuzz reported that he had been formally told of the change and declined to comment when asked to reflect on his CSK time.
The Australian could still have an IPL role next season. Cricbuzz reported that he has been in touch with a few teams, but no new appointment has been announced. That remains a possibility, not a completed move.
Hussey was also known for his professional relationship with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. His departure removes a familiar batting voice from a franchise preparing for a different coaching era. The impact on CSK’s batting plans will depend on who is eventually appointed to replace him.
Who Decides The Remaining Roles?
Cricbuzz reported that CSK’s final decisions on the remaining coaching positions would be taken after owner Rupa Gurunath returned to India from South Africa, where she had been for the SA20 auction. The report added that the franchise would consult Zaheer Khan and MS Dhoni before completing the structure.
The coaching picture is therefore not complete. Zaheer and Mohit have been named in the reported changes, while Hussey’s exit is reported and Foster’s future is unresolved.
For the wider IPL 2027 picture, readers can follow confirmed retention developments in 4xSports’ IPL 2027 retained players guide and the latest reported planning in its IPL 2027 auction date and venue guide. Coaching appointments should not be read as player retention decisions.
What Is Confirmed?
- Mike Hussey: CSK have parted ways with him as batting coach, according to Cricbuzz’s exclusive report.
- James Foster: His extension decision is pending; there is no confirmed departure in the available reporting.
- Replacement for Hussey: Not announced in the available sources.
- IPL 2027 role for Hussey elsewhere: Only reported as a possibility. No new team has been confirmed.
CSK’s reset is moving quickly, but one part of the story is unfinished. Hussey is out. Foster’s next step is still waiting for a decision.
Source Names: Cricbuzz; SportsTiger; Moneycontrol.
