“I feel this is strategically wrong” - Former India cricketer slams CSK ahead of IPL 2027

Former Indian opener Sadagoppan Ramesh slammed Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) decision to not opt for a batting coach for IPL 2027. Zaheer Khan, named head coach on a one-year deal in September, will work with Mohit Sharma as bowling coach, Gareth Batty and Albie Morkel as assistant coaches, plus the retained Sridharan Sriram and James Foster.

Michael Hussey, batting coach since 2018, went out with their head coach since 2009, Stephen Fleming, after a third straight season outside the playoffs.

Talking about CSK not appointing a batting coach, Ramesh said on his Instagram handle:

"It's not just a surprise but a shock that CSK are going in without a batting coach next year. More than being a surprise, I also feel this is strategically wrong. Everyone knows that CSK have struggled massively the last two years. But breaking down the numbers from the last two IPL seasons, CSK are actually in the top two for the lowest average runs conceded."

He continued:

"However, with the bat, they are bottom two for average team totals in the last two seasons (178). So it's clear that CSK's main issue has been the batting. Yet, they've fully loaded up on the bowling front in their coaching setup with Zaheer Khan, Mohit Sharma, Gareth Batty, and Albie Morkel, who is also a bowling all-rounder."

CSK finished fifth in 2024, bottom in 2025 with four wins and ten defeats, and eighth in 2026 after losing their first three matches.

Could MS Dhoni be CSK’s batting coach and mentor?

Sadagoppan Ramesh wonders if the legendary MS Dhoni could become CSK's batting coach cum mentor next season, given the uncertainties around his playing future. The 45-year-old has not played since IPL 2025, and CSK retained him in the uncapped category at ₹4 crore on a three-year deal before the 2025 mega auction.

The veteran wicketkeeper-batter did not take the field at all in 2026 because of a calf injury.

"CSK have struggled the last two years even with Michael Hussey as batting coach, and yet they've opted to go with no one at the position when there are several young batters in the side. It also makes one wonder if Dhoni himself might be personally involved and groom the batters and youngsters like a mentor," said Ramesh (via the aforementioned source).

He added:

"It remains to be seen if CSK surprise us with such a move because it's unclear whether Dhoni will return as a player. If something like that happens, then it's superb for CSK. Otherwise, I feel CSK should have balanced their coaching hires instead of loading up on the bowling front."

CSK's last IPL title came in 2023 with Dhoni as captain, after which he relinquished captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad.

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