Chennai Super Kings have parted ways with batting coach Michael “Mike” Hussey, one of the most recognisable figures in the franchise’s recent history. The decision was reported on Saturday, 10 October 2026, and forms part of a wider restructuring of the support staff ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League season.
Hussey has a long association with the franchise. He first played for CSK between 2008 and 2013, and again in 2015, becoming a key part of the side that won the tournament during his playing spell. He returned to the club in 2018 as batting coach and held the role until now, a total of around eight years in the coaching set-up.
A Wider Shake-Up at CSK
The departure of Hussey is the latest in a series of changes to CSK’s coaching staff. Earlier in 2026, the franchise parted ways with head coach Stephen Fleming and appointed former India pacer Zaheer Khan in his place. The club has also replaced bowling coach Eric Simmons with former India pacer Mohit Sharma.
Taken together, these moves point to a deliberate reset of the coaching group ahead of IPL 2027. CSK, five-time IPL champions, are clearly reshaping their set-up around new leadership, and the batting department is the latest area to change.
Key Changes at a Glance
| Role | Previous Holder | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Batting coach | Michael Hussey | Parted ways (October 2026) |
| Head coach | Stephen Fleming | Replaced by Zaheer Khan |
| Bowling coach | Eric Simmons | Replaced by Mohit Sharma |
Hussey’s Playing Career
Hussey’s playing career was built on consistency and calm, reliable batting. For Australia, he played international cricket until retiring in December 2012. His time at CSK is especially remembered. In the 2011 IPL season, he was the franchise’s leading run-scorer, with 495 runs. In the 2008 tournament, he became only the second batter to score a century in the IPL, making 116 not out against Kings XI Punjab. That knock is still one of the standout innings in the early history of the competition.
Hussey’s Coaching Role
Hussey was appointed CSK’s batting coach in January 2018, moving from a playing career that had given him intimate knowledge of the franchise’s dressing room and its style of cricket. In the role, he was responsible for the development and preparation of the batters, working day to day with players on technique, shot selection and the match-by-match planning that the side relies on.
His time in the role was built on a close working relationship with head coach Stephen Fleming. The two spent many years together at the franchise and shared a strong bond. In August, reports suggested that Fleming had wanted Hussey to become England’s new Test batting coach.
The change now means CSK must find a replacement for a role that has been central to the team’s batting approach. The franchise has not yet announced who will take over.
What Comes Next for CSK as A Long-Serving Figure Departs
CSK’s immediate task is to appoint a new batting coach and continue building a staff that suits their new leadership. The new appointments will be closely watched by fans and analysts.
For Hussey, the end of his CSK tenure marks the close of a long chapter with the franchise. He is widely respected in the sport and remains a well-known figure in the game.
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FAQs
Why did CSK part ways with Michael Hussey
The decision is part of a wider coaching reshuffle ahead of IPL 2027. The franchise has not publicly detailed specific reasons.
How long was Hussey CSK's batting coach?
He joined as batting coach in 2018 and held the role until this departure, around eight years.
Has CSK named a replacement?
Not yet. The franchise has not announced who will take over the batting coach role.
Did Hussey play for CSK?
Yes, he played for the franchise between 2008 and 2013, and again in 2015.
What other coaching changes has CSK made?
Stephen Fleming was replaced as head coach by Zaheer Khan, and bowling coach Eric Simmons was replaced by Mohit Sharma.
