Sports

Gareth Batty to Join Chennai Super Kings as Assistant Coach for 2027 IPL

By Cricbuzz Staff

Gareth Batty will become an assistant coach for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) starting with the 2027 Indian Premier League season, after leaving his role as head coach of Surrey. Batty, who took over Surrey in 2022, guided the county to County Championship titles in 2022, 2023 and 2024, and a runners‑up finish in 2025, making Surrey the first team in almost 60 years to win three consecutive titles. He also led Surrey to the knockout stages of the Vitality Blast each season, including two Finals Day appearances. During his five‑year tenure, several Surrey players advanced to the England squad. Batty’s departure ends a 21‑year association with the club; he played for Surrey from 1998 to 2001 and again from 2010, captaining the side from 2015 to 2017. He retired in 2021 and joined the coaching staff before becoming head coach a year later. As a player he appeared more than 350 times for Surrey, took over 500 wickets across formats, and is the club’s joint‑highest wicket‑taker in T20s. Internationally he represented England 20 times across all three formats. Speaking about the move, Batty said, “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.” He thanked Surrey’s director of cricket Alec Stewart for his support, describing the change as a new chapter. Stewart praised Batty’s contributions as both player and coach, noting his hard work and determination that led to the club’s success. He expressed disappointment at Batty’s exit but acknowledged the appeal of the CSK opportunity and the chance to spend more time with family outside the IPL season. Batty’s first tasks with CSK will involve assisting with player retentions ahead of the November 15 deadline and planning the team’s strategy for the mini‑auction scheduled for mid‑December in Goa.