The Chennai Super Kings are entering the 2027 IPL season with a significantly reshaped support structure, while franchises across the league prepare for the player auction expected to take place in Goa on December 16.
Unlike the large-scale mega auction held before the 2025 season, the upcoming event is expected to be a mini-auction, forming the final player auction of the current IPL cycle. Teams are expected to finalise their retention and release plans before the November deadline as they prepare for the 20th edition of the tournament.
### CSK Brings Back Familiar Faces
The biggest changes are taking place behind the scenes at Chennai Super Kings.
The five-time champions have appointed former South African all-rounder **Albie Morkel as an assistant coach** and former India pacer **Mohit Sharma as their new bowling coach**. Former England international Gareth Batty has also joined as an assistant coach. The revamped coaching group will operate under new head coach **Zaheer Khan**, who replaced long-serving coach Stephen Fleming.
For Morkel and Mohit, the appointments represent a return to a franchise where both enjoyed important playing careers.
Morkel was part of the CSK setup from the inaugural IPL season and helped the team win titles in 2010 and 2011. Mohit also began his IPL journey with Chennai and later became one of the competition's most successful Indian fast bowlers, winning the Purple Cap in 2014.
### Hussey Era Comes to an End
The restructuring also brings an emotional farewell for **Michael Hussey**, who is leaving the franchise after an eight-year association as batting coach.
Hussey joined CSK as batting coach in 2018 and became an important figure in the development and mentoring of the team's players. The franchise thanked him for his contribution, dedication and long-standing connection with the Super Kings.
CSK have also made changes involving other members of the previous support team as Zaheer begins building a new coaching structure.
### A New Chapter for the Super Kings
The changes come after CSK missed the IPL playoffs for three consecutive seasons, increasing the pressure on the franchise to rebuild and return to contention.
Zaheer Khan now has the responsibility of combining experienced former CSK players with a new coaching philosophy. Morkel brings international all-round experience, while Mohit offers extensive knowledge of Indian conditions and IPL bowling.
With the auction approaching, the new coaching team will also have an important role in identifying the squad's weaknesses and deciding which players can form the core of CSK's next campaign.
The December auction may be smaller than a traditional mega auction, but for Chennai Super Kings, the changes already underway suggest that IPL 2027 could mark the beginning of a completely new era at the franchise.
Unlike the large-scale mega auction held before the 2025 season, the upcoming event is expected to be a mini-auction, forming the final player auction of the current IPL cycle. Teams are expected to finalise their retention and release plans before the November deadline as they prepare for the 20th edition of the tournament.
### CSK Brings Back Familiar Faces
The biggest changes are taking place behind the scenes at Chennai Super Kings.
The five-time champions have appointed former South African all-rounder **Albie Morkel as an assistant coach** and former India pacer **Mohit Sharma as their new bowling coach**. Former England international Gareth Batty has also joined as an assistant coach. The revamped coaching group will operate under new head coach **Zaheer Khan**, who replaced long-serving coach Stephen Fleming.
For Morkel and Mohit, the appointments represent a return to a franchise where both enjoyed important playing careers.
Morkel was part of the CSK setup from the inaugural IPL season and helped the team win titles in 2010 and 2011. Mohit also began his IPL journey with Chennai and later became one of the competition's most successful Indian fast bowlers, winning the Purple Cap in 2014.
### Hussey Era Comes to an End
The restructuring also brings an emotional farewell for **Michael Hussey**, who is leaving the franchise after an eight-year association as batting coach.
Hussey joined CSK as batting coach in 2018 and became an important figure in the development and mentoring of the team's players. The franchise thanked him for his contribution, dedication and long-standing connection with the Super Kings.
CSK have also made changes involving other members of the previous support team as Zaheer begins building a new coaching structure.
### A New Chapter for the Super Kings
The changes come after CSK missed the IPL playoffs for three consecutive seasons, increasing the pressure on the franchise to rebuild and return to contention.
Zaheer Khan now has the responsibility of combining experienced former CSK players with a new coaching philosophy. Morkel brings international all-round experience, while Mohit offers extensive knowledge of Indian conditions and IPL bowling.
With the auction approaching, the new coaching team will also have an important role in identifying the squad's weaknesses and deciding which players can form the core of CSK's next campaign.
The December auction may be smaller than a traditional mega auction, but for Chennai Super Kings, the changes already underway suggest that IPL 2027 could mark the beginning of a completely new era at the franchise.