Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have named former England spinner Gareth Batty as assistant coach ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Batty, who led Surrey to three back-to-back County Championship titles between 2022 and 2024, will join the five-time IPL champions.

Batty will join head coach Zaheer Khan, who has been named as part of the coaching set-up after Stephen Fleming departed. This marks a major shift in Chennai's support staff as they look to get back on track and win in the upcoming season.

Who Is Gareth Batty? Career, International Records and Coaching Achievements

Born on 13th October 1977, Gareth Jon Batty is a former English professional cricketer who played internationally for England. As a right-arm off-spinner and right-handed batsman, he proved a reliable player in English county cricket.

Starting his career with Yorkshire, Batty went on to represent Worcestershire and Surrey, and also captained Surrey from 2015 to 2017. Overall, he has played over 700 professional games and taken over 1000 wickets.

International Career and Achievements

Throughout his career, Gareth Batty has played 9 Test Matches, 10 ODIs and 1 T20I for England. Over 14 years from 2002 to 2016. One of his most impressive achievements was that he returned to the England Test squad for the Bangladesh and India tours in 2016 at the age of 39.

Whilst he did not have many opportunities in international cricket, he had incredible success in county cricket. Taking 682 wickets in first-class cricket and became one of the most experienced players for Surrey. Playing a long career at the top level of county cricket.

Coaching Career

Since retiring from professional cricket in 2021, Batty has moved into coaching at Surrey. Starting as an assistant coach and then became Head Coach in 2022.

During his time as head coach, Surrey won the County Championship in 2022, won the championship again in 2023 and completed an impressive hat trick of titles in 2024. In 2025, they were runners-up.

This experience of creating players, managing a competitive dressing room and developing a successful playing squad could be an asset to CSK as they look to bounce back in 2027.

Chennai Super Kings are hoping that their new coaching team can help them get back to winning ways. The franchise has had 3 disappointing seasons since they won their 5th IPL trophy in 2023 and failed to reach the play-offs.

With Zaheer Khan and Gareth Batty appointed to the coaching staff there has been a huge change in the team. With Batty having a great record in county cricket and Zaheer having experience in the Indian game, CSK will look to rebuild and win the title in 2027.