IPL 2027: Gareth Batty likely to join CSK's support staff | EXCLUSIVE

NEW DELHI: Former England off-spinner Gareth Batty is likely to join Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) support staff as the franchise presses the reset button to return to its glory days. It is understood that the 49-year-old shares a good rapport with CSK head coach Zaheer Khan, dating back to their playing days at Worcestershire."We are in discussions with him. Negotiations are underway, and an announcement is likely in a couple of days," CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan told TimesofIndia.com.Hours after the website first reported on the development, Surrey confirmed their head coach's decision to step down and take up the new Indian Premier League role.“Thank you hardly seems enough for all that Surrey has meant to me. It has been a privilege to serve this great club, to share in its success and challenges.“The new journey is a very exciting one for my family and I with CSK in the IPL and I’m looking forward to getting going.“I would like to make a special thank you for Stewie, he has been there throughout – thank you for the memories and your belief in me, boss.“Clubs are built on more than results and trophies, they are built on people, loyalty and a shared sense of purpose and I look forward to my third chapter as a fan. Thank you,” Batty was quoted by the club's website.Batty, who played nine Tests, 10 ODIs and one T20I for England, guided Surrey to three consecutive Championship titles before the team finished second last year. During his tenure, several Surrey players earned Test call-ups, including Gus Atkinson, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope and Jamie Smith.CSK have endured a difficult run in the IPL in recent years. They failed to reach the playoffs since winning the title in 2023 - MS Dhoni's final season as full-time captain. A bottom-place finish in 2025 prompted the franchise to rethink its approach.Last month, CSK appointed former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan as the team's head coach for IPL 2027. He succeeded Stephen Fleming, who had held the role for 16 years and guided the franchise to five IPL titles.As reported earlier by this website, former India pacer Mohit Sharma is also set to join Zaheer's support staff as bowling coach.CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed the development. "Mohit will join CSK as our new bowling coach. His name was recommended by our head coach Zaheer Khan. Mohit was tremendous with us as a player as well, and we hope he will do a great job as bowling coach," Viswanathan had said.The IPL giants have officially parted ways with Eric Simmons and Michael Hussey. Simmons was part of the coaching set-up since 2018 and the former Aussie batter has been with the Yellow Army since 2008.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.