“I’ve no clue who he is” - Kris Srikkanth’s blunt statement on new CSK recruitment for IPL 2027
Former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth has admitted he has no idea who Gareth Batty is, days after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) added the former England off-spinner to their coaching staff for IPL 2027.
Former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth has admitted he has no idea who Gareth Batty is, days after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) added the former England off-spinner to their coaching staff for IPL 2027. CSK announced on October 27 that Batty and Albie Morkel would join as assistant coaches, with Mohit Sharma as bowling coach, all working under new head coach Zaheer Khan.
Batty took charge at Surrey in 2022 and led them to three consecutive County Championship titles from 2022 to 2024, before a runners-up finish in 2025. He made more than 350 appearances for Surrey and took over 500 wickets across formats.
He played nine Tests, 10 ODIs and one T20I for England, and has coached Oval Invincibles and MI London in The Hundred. Batty also played alongside Zaheer at Worcestershire.
Talking about Batty's appointment on his YouTube channel, Cheeky Cheeka, Srikkanth said:
"I am not sure about Gareth Batty. I’ve no clue who he is,” he said. “Maybe he is brilliant, but I am not sure."
However, the former opener backed Albie Morkel's appointment as CSK's assistant coach, saying:
"Albie Morkel is a good choice as he has played for them and been part of championship teams. He knows the CSK culture and was a committed cricketer. From what I know, he is the perfect team man."
Srikkanth also backed CSK's coaching overhaul this off-season, adding:
"But it's good that CSK have done a complete overhaul and have a fresh engine with new oil. A new look is important for CSK, and they have to move on. Changes had to be made. Though I am not sure about Batty, CSK must have done their homework to appoint him. So he must be a good coach."
The reshuffle followed Stephen Fleming's departure as CSK head coach after 16 years to take the England Test job.
Kris Srikkanth backs Hardik Pandya to remain with MI
Kris Srikkanth predicts Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya will remain with the franchise despite the ongoing trade rumors. Pandya has led MI since returning from Gujarat Titans in 2024. Mumbai finished 10th that season, fourth in 2025, and ninth in 2026.
"With all these rumors associating him with all teams, I have a feeling he won't go anywhere and will remain in MI. They'll end up retaining him for one more season and then probably release him for the mega auction," said Srikkanth on Hardik Pandya (via the aforementioned source).
Hardik has dominated the franchise's off-season headlines, with CSK and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) among the sides linked to him.
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