Chennai Super Kings prepares for a significant squad restructuring ahead of IPL 2027. (Img: X)
Mumbai: Chennai Super Kings are preparing for a significant restructuring ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 season, with new head coach Zaheer Khan set to meet former captain MS Dhoni in Mumbai before the franchise finalises its player retention list.
The discussions are expected to take place before the November 15 deadline for submitting retention decisions. Zaheer, who recently took charge after Stephen Fleming's departure, is expected to assess the team's requirements and work with the management on the composition of the squad for the upcoming mini-auction.
CSK are looking to rebuild after another disappointing campaign, having failed to reach the playoffs for three consecutive seasons. Decisions on which players to retain and release will determine the franchise's available purse and its flexibility in the auction.
Zaheer has already held his first meeting with the franchise management in Chennai to discuss the composition of the support staff. The appointment marks a new phase for CSK following the end of Fleming's long association with the five-time IPL champions.
The franchise is expected to bring in former England batter Gareth Batty and former South African all-rounder Albie Morkel, who currently coaches Johannesburg Super Kings. Former India fast bowler Mohit Sharma is also set to serve as the team's bowling coach.
CSK have parted ways with Michael Hussey, Eric Simons and Rajiv Kumar, who were part of the previous coaching group. However, fielding coach James Foster will continue in his role, while Sridharan Sriram is also expected to remain associated with the team.
The franchise is likely to have its revamped coaching team in place before player trials scheduled for next month. An official announcement on the complete support staff is expected at a later stage.
The meeting between Zaheer and Dhoni comes at a crucial point in CSK's preparations, with the franchise expected to consider releasing some players to increase its spending capacity at the mini-auction.
The new head coach will have to identify the areas requiring reinforcement while evaluating the existing squad. The retention decisions will be particularly important as CSK attempt to address the shortcomings that have affected their performances over recent seasons.
Strengthening the overseas contingent is understood to be among the franchise's priorities. CSK have traditionally relied on overseas players capable of making decisive contributions, but the team has struggled to secure consistent match-winning performances from that group in recent campaigns.
The players available at the auction will ultimately influence how effectively the franchise can address these gaps. The size of its auction purse will also depend on the players it chooses to release before the deadline.
