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

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 criticism from former India opener Sadagopan Ramesh, who is surprised that the franchise has yet to appoint a dedicated batting coach. With CSK preparing for a significant change in its backroom structure, Ramesh believes the vacant role raises questions about whether the team is addressing its most pressing weakness.

The five-time IPL champions have struggled to find consistency in recent seasons. While their bowling figures have remained comparatively strong, their batting has often failed to produce the substantial totals needed to control matches. Ramesh argues that this imbalance should shape CSK’s coaching priorities—and that leaving the batting position open could be a strategic misstep.

CSK’s Coaching Restructure Ahead of IPL 2027

CSK are set to begin a new chapter after changes to their coaching set-up, including the reported departure of long-serving head coach Stephen Fleming. Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan has been appointed head coach, while Mohit Sharma is expected to lead the bowling department. Gareth Batty and Albie Morkel have been named assistant coaches, with Sridharan Sriram and James Foster also retained in the wider coaching group.

That list includes experience across several areas of the game, but the franchise has not announced a batting coach. The omission has attracted attention because CSK previously relied on former Australia batter Michael Hussey in that role. Hussey worked with the team during the Fleming era, helping guide a batting group that included established international players as well as younger talent.

CSK’s new appointments may reflect a desire to strengthen the team’s overall structure, but Ramesh’s concern is that the coaching balance appears weighted towards bowling. He believes the personnel decisions should be considered alongside the team’s performance data, rather than simply the reputations or specialisms of the coaches involved.

Why Ramesh Says CSK’s Main Problem Is Batting

In comments shared on Instagram, Ramesh pointed to a contrast between CSK’s bowling and batting returns over the past two IPL seasons. He said the team ranked among the best for keeping opponents’ average scores down, while sitting near the bottom for its own average team totals. The figure cited for CSK’s average total was 178.

“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 potentially “strategically wrong.” He added that the numbers suggest the team’s biggest concern has been its batting, despite having several coaches with bowling backgrounds in the new set-up.

The distinction matters in the IPL, where teams often have little time to recover from a slow start. A bowling unit can keep a side competitive, but repeated batting failures can leave it defending totals that are difficult to protect, even with a strong attack. In close matches, the ability to build partnerships, accelerate through the middle overs and finish an innings effectively can determine the result.

CSK’s challenge may not be limited to a single technical flaw. Batting struggles can stem from several factors, including inconsistent selection, changes in player roles, pressure on younger batters and difficulty adapting to different pitches. A dedicated batting coach could help address those issues through individual preparation, clearer plans and more consistent communication about how each player is expected to contribute.

Could MS Dhoni Take on a Mentoring Role?

Ramesh also raised the possibility that former CSK captain MS Dhoni could have a behind-the-scenes role in developing the team’s batters. Speculation about Dhoni’s position has continued, but CSK have not officially confirmed whether he will serve as a mentor or take on another responsibility ahead of IPL 2027.

Dhoni’s experience could be valuable to young players, particularly in helping them handle pressure and understand match situations. His long career has given him insight into pacing an innings, making decisions late in a game and managing expectations in a high-profile franchise environment. However, mentoring and specialist batting coaching are not necessarily interchangeable. A mentor may offer leadership and perspective, while a batting coach typically works more directly on technique, preparation and role-specific plans.

Ramesh questioned whether Dhoni might personally guide CSK’s younger batters, especially given the absence of a named batting coach. He also noted that CSK experienced difficulties even when Hussey held the position, suggesting that simply appointing a coach would not automatically solve the team’s batting problems. The quality of the plan, the players’ roles and the execution on the field will all matter.

What CSK Need to Address Before the New Season

For CSK, the period before IPL 2027 offers an opportunity to clarify how the new coaching group will work together. The franchise could still appoint a batting specialist, assign that responsibility to an existing coach or define a larger role for a senior figure such as Dhoni. Until the club makes its plans clear, questions about the team’s batting support are likely to remain.

A strong coaching structure would need to connect technical guidance with practical match preparation. That could mean helping batters develop plans for different conditions, improving their approach against spin and pace, and identifying when to prioritise stability or acceleration. It could also involve providing younger players with consistent opportunities and clearly defined positions in the batting order.

Ramesh’s comments have therefore prompted a broader discussion about CSK’s priorities, rather than simply the name of its next batting coach. The team’s recent numbers, as cited by the former opener, point to a gap between its ability to restrict opponents and its own capacity to post competitive scores. Whether that gap narrows will depend on decisions made in the coaching room as well as performances on the pitch.

As the IPL 2027 season approaches, CSK’s coaching choices will be closely watched by supporters seeking signs of a fresh direction. The key prediction is not simply whether the franchise will appoint a batting coach, but whether its revamped staff can turn a persistent weakness into a reliable strength. For a team with CSK’s ambitions and history, finding the right balance between batting development and bowling expertise could prove crucial.

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