Sadagopan Ramesh questions CSK’s decision to not appoint a batting coach

Sadagopan Ramesh Questions CSK’s Decision to Enter IPL 2027 Without a Batting Coach

Chennai Super Kings’ coaching plans for the IPL 2027 season have drawn scrutiny after former India opener Sadagopan Ramesh questioned why the franchise has yet to appoint a specialist batting coach. With the team preparing for a significant change in its coaching structure, Ramesh believes the vacant role is especially concerning given CSK’s recent struggles to post competitive totals.

CSK have confirmed several appointments across their coaching staff, including former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan as head coach and Mohit Sharma as bowling coach. Gareth Batty and Albie Morkel will serve as assistant coaches, while Sridharan Sriram and James Foster are also set to continue with the franchise. However, no batting coach has been announced so far.

That omission has prompted questions about whether the team’s coaching resources are aligned with its most pressing needs. Ramesh’s assessment is that CSK’s recent results point more clearly to a batting problem than a bowling one—and that the franchise’s IPL 2027 plans should reflect that.

CSK’s Recent Numbers Put Batting Under the Spotlight

Ramesh shared his concerns in a video posted on Instagram, arguing that CSK’s performance over the previous two IPL seasons makes the absence of a batting specialist difficult to understand. He pointed to the contrast between the team’s work with the ball and its output with the bat.

According to the figures he cited, CSK ranked among the two teams with the lowest average runs conceded across those seasons. Their average team total, meanwhile, was around 178—placing them among the bottom two sides in that category. While a single statistic cannot explain an entire season, the gap offers a useful snapshot of where the team may need improvement.

“It’s not just a surprise but a shock that CSK are going in without a batting coach next year,” Ramesh said, describing the decision as strategically questionable. He added that the team’s batting had been its main weakness, despite the extensive representation of bowling expertise in the coaching group.

The numbers do not necessarily mean CSK’s bowling has been flawless or that a new batting coach alone would solve the problem. T20 results depend on several factors, including player availability, role clarity, conditions and execution under pressure. But Ramesh’s point is that coaching appointments should respond to the evidence: if scoring consistently has been a challenge, specialist support for batters could be an important part of the solution.

A Major Coaching Reshuffle Ahead of IPL 2027

CSK’s coaching questions come amid a broader rethink following disappointing seasons. The franchise has been reviewing its cricket operations and preparing for changes to its backroom structure. The team’s coaching group is being rebuilt, with former head coach Stephen Fleming no longer expected to lead the setup, while the new appointments bring a strong emphasis on pace bowling and all-round support.

Zaheer Khan’s appointment gives CSK a coach with extensive international experience as a fast bowler and a strong understanding of high-performance cricket. Mohit Sharma also brings years of experience in the IPL, while Batty and Morkel add further coaching perspectives. The group has considerable bowling knowledge, but the absence of a named batting coach leaves an obvious question about who will take responsibility for developing the team’s batting approach.

That question matters particularly because IPL squads often include young players who are still adapting to the demands of the tournament. A dedicated batting coach can help players refine technique, prepare for specific match-ups and build plans for different phases of an innings. The role can also support communication between the coaching staff and batters, making it easier to establish clear expectations around positions and responsibilities.

Can MS Dhoni Take on a Mentoring Role?

Speculation has also surrounded the future role of former CSK captain MS Dhoni. Some reports and discussion have suggested that he could take on a mentoring position, but the franchise has not officially confirmed what his responsibilities will be for IPL 2027.

Ramesh raised the possibility that Dhoni might work closely with the team’s batters and younger players. Dhoni’s experience as a high-pressure finisher and long-serving captain could be valuable in helping players manage the tactical and mental demands of T20 cricket. However, mentoring and specialist batting coaching are not necessarily interchangeable. A mentor can offer leadership, perspective and match insight, while a batting coach may focus more directly on technical development, training routines and individual performance plans.

Ramesh also noted that CSK had Michael Hussey as batting coach during recent seasons, yet the team still struggled to produce stronger totals. That observation adds an important qualification: changing or adding a coach is not, by itself, a guarantee of improvement. The franchise may need to examine how its batters are selected, how roles are assigned and whether the playing group has the right balance of experience and power.

What CSK Need to Address Before the Next Season

As the IPL 2027 season approaches, CSK’s challenge will be to turn their coaching overhaul into a coherent plan. The team will need to decide whether to appoint a dedicated batting coach, clarify how Dhoni may contribute, and ensure that the responsibilities of the wider coaching group do not overlap or leave important areas uncovered.

There is also a strategic question about the kind of batting CSK want to build. Modern T20 cricket increasingly rewards teams that can accelerate early, maintain momentum through the middle overs and finish strongly. That requires more than power-hitting: batters must read match situations, adapt to changing conditions and make effective decisions against different bowling styles.

For CSK supporters, the prediction for the coming season will depend partly on whether the franchise can address those concerns before the first ball is bowled. The new coaching structure may bring fresh ideas, but Ramesh’s criticism highlights a potential imbalance: a team that has struggled to score consistently may need more than a bowling-heavy coaching staff.

CSK have not yet confirmed a batting coach for IPL 2027, so the situation remains open. Whether the franchise appoints a specialist, gives Dhoni a defined mentoring role or adopts another approach, its decision will be closely watched. The key test will be whether the changes help the team convert promising innings into stronger totals—and restore the consistency that has long been central to CSK’s success.