Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are preparing for a major coaching overhaul ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 after enduring a difficult run in recent seasons. The five-time champions have missed the playoffs in each of their last three campaigns and will be looking to rebuild their setup before the next edition.
The franchise has already appointed Zaheer Khan as head coach and Mohit Sharma as bowling coach, signalling a fresh approach to its backroom staff. With further appointments potentially on the cards, former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has suggested two familiar faces who could be considered for the batting coach position.
Ravichandran Ashwin names two former CSK stars for batting coach role
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin suggested that former CSK batters Ambati Rayudu and Robin Uthappa could be candidates for the role. He also believes the franchise is likely to prefer an Indian coach over an overseas option. Rayudu represented CSK from 2018 to 2023 and helped the franchise win three IPL titles.
Uthappa played for the team in 2021 and 2022 and was part of the title-winning squad in 2021. Neither former batter has been officially confirmed for the position.
“Based on the other appointments this off-season, it is highly unlikely that CSK will go for an overseas option. It’ll almost certainly be an Indian name. CSK could maybe look at an Ambati Rayudu or Robin Uthappa,” Ashwin said.
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Ashwin calls for a stronger training culture under Zaheer Khan
Ashwin also stressed the need for CSK to improve their training and fitness standards. He believes the franchise must adapt to the demands of a longer IPL season, particularly as players compete in multiple tournaments throughout the year. He further backed Zaheer to bring about a change in the team’s approach to preparation.
“Under Dhoni, over the last 18 years, CSK have never had a training culture. Dhoni is an instinctive captain. In Kohli’s teams, fitness has been highly emphasised, and he has established a standard. But in CSK, under Dhoni, training has never been emphasised. So training is incredibly important. That cultural shift has to happen in CSK. I feel Zaheer will emphasize this because he knows this very well. Under Zaheer, they’ll definitely go for a high-performing trainer,” Ashwin said.
CSK finished eighth in the previous season, managing just six wins from 14 matches. Ashwin played under MS Dhoni at the franchise from 2009 to 2015 before returning for the 2025 season, when Ruturaj Gaikwad was captain.
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