FORMER South African allrounder Albie Morkel has been appointed assistant coach of Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2027, joining the franchise’s new coaching setup led by Zaheer Khan as they look to add to their five IPL titles.
Morkel has been closely associated with the Super Kings since the inaugural IPL season in 2008, having represented the franchise until 2013. He played 92 matches for CSK, winning two IPL titles in 2010 and 2011, as well as the Champions League T20 in 2010.
The 45-year-old was elevated to the role of head coach of Joburg Super Kings in SA20 in July this year, taking over from Stephen Fleming, who stepped down from the position.
Morkel will work alongside Gareth Batty, who left his position as Surrey head coach to join CSK as an assistant coach.
“I share a special bond with the Super Kings family,” Morkel said in a franchise statement. “The sound of the fans and the whistles at Chepauk is something that has reverberated in my ears since my playing days. I have special memories at Chennai Super Kings, both on and off the field. I am excited to share my knowledge and experience with the youngsters in the team.”
Meanwhile, as Cricbuzz reported on September 29, former India fast bowler Mohit Sharma has been confirmed as the franchise’s new bowling coach.
“It is an absolute pleasure to return to the franchise I once represented, and it feels like coming back home,” Mohit said in a statement. “I started my IPL career with CSK and it acted as the catalyst that propelled me into the national circuit. I have some wonderful memories with the Super Kings, especially winning the Purple Cap award and the 2014 CLT20 title. I look forward to sharing my inputs and work alongside Head Coach Zaheer Khan.”
Sridharan Sriram, who joined the Super Kings ahead of IPL 2025, will stay on as an assistant coach while James Foster has also been retained as the fielding coach.
The coaching group’s first order of business will be to finalise the squad retention list ahead of the mini auction in December. (Cricbuzz)
