Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have continued reshaping their coaching staff ahead of the IPL 2027 season, appointing former South Africa all-rounder Albie Morkel as an assistant coach. The five-time champions recently named Zaheer Khan as their head coach and are now strengthening their backroom staff as they prepare for the upcoming campaign. CSK have struggled to maintain their usual standards in recent seasons. Since MS Dhoni stepped down as captain, the franchise has faced challenges under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s leadership.
Their failure to qualify for the playoffs in each of the last three seasons has raised concerns, prompting the management to consider changes to improve the team’s performance. Morkel will work alongside Zaheer Khan in the coaching setup. The former South African international already has a strong connection with the Super Kings family, having represented the Chennai-based franchise in the IPL and served as head coach of Joburg Super Kings in South Africa’s SA20 league.
Morkel previously worked as an assistant coach at Joburg Super Kings under Stephen Fleming. Following the franchise’s decision to part ways with the former New Zealand captain, Morkel was promoted to the head coach position. His progression highlights the franchise’s willingness to trust individuals who understand its culture and have built long-standing relationships with the organisation.
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Announcing his appointment on social media, CSK celebrated Morkel’s return to the franchise’s coaching setup. “The lion behind some of Chepauk’s most unforgettable moments is ready for a new innings! An OG Super King from 2008, a key member of our back-to-back IPL triumphs in 2010 and 2011! Albie Morkel’s story with the Super Kings continues! Welcome aboard, Albie,” the franchise posted.
The lion behind some of Chepauk’s most unforgettable moments is ready for a new innings! 💛
An OG Super King from 2008, a key member of our back-to-back IPL triumphs in 2010 and 2011!
Albie Morkel’s story with the Super Kings continues! Welcome aboard, Albie! 🦁
#WhistlePodu #Yellove
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) October 27, 2026
Morkel joined CSK in the inaugural IPL season in 2008 and represented the team until 2013. He played an important role in their title-winning campaigns in 2010 and 2011, earning recognition for his powerful hitting and useful contributions with the ball.
During his IPL career with CSK, Morkel featured in 78 matches, scoring 827 runs in 59 innings at a strike rate close to 150. His highest score was 71. He also claimed 76 wickets, with his best bowling figures of 4/32 coming during the inaugural IPL season.
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CSK have also appointed former England international Gareth Batty as an assistant coach. Batty previously guided Surrey to three consecutive County Championship titles from 2022 to 2024.
Meanwhile, former CSK fast bowler Mohit Sharma is set to join the coaching group as bowling coach. With extensive IPL experience and a previous association with Dhoni, Mohit will bring valuable insight to the franchise’s bowling unit as CSK look to return to winning ways in IPL 2027.
