Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have parted ways with strength and conditioning coach Greg King as the five-time IPL champions overhaul their coaching staff ahead of the 2027 season. The changes follow the exits of Michael Hussey, Eric Simons, Rajiv Kumar and Tommy Simsek.
Five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have continued their coaching staff overhaul ahead of the 2027 season, announcing the departure of strength and conditioning coach Greg King on Monday. His exit comes amid a series of significant changes to the franchise’s backroom staff as the team prepares for the next edition of the tournament.
In an official statement shared on social media late Monday, CSK thanked King for his contribution to the team’s physical preparation, fitness and performances over multiple seasons. The franchise acknowledged his role in helping players manage physical challenges and maintain the standards required to compete at the highest level.
“Every successful campaign is built on countless hours of preparation, discipline, and hard work,” the franchise said in its message, expressing appreciation for King’s expertise and service to the Yellow Army.
King’s departure is part of a broader restructuring of the Chennai-based franchise’s coaching setup. Earlier on Monday, CSK confirmed the exits of batting coach Michael Hussey, bowling coach Eric Simons, assistant batting coach Rajiv Kumar and long-serving physiotherapist Tommy Simsek.
The departures mark a major transition for a franchise that has maintained a strong coaching identity over the years. With preparations for IPL 2027 approaching, CSK appear to be reshaping several key support roles as they look to build a competitive squad for the upcoming season.
The franchise has already made important appointments to its coaching staff. Former India left-arm fast bowler Zaheer Khan has been appointed head coach, while former England off-spinner Gareth Batty has joined the setup as an assistant coach.
Former India pacer Mohit Sharma is also set to take over as bowling coach, replacing Eric Simons. Simons had been associated with CSK since the 2018 IPL season and played a role in the development of the team’s bowling unit during his tenure.
Before joining CSK, Simons served as India’s bowling consultant between 2010 and 2012. His stint included India’s historic victory in the 2011 ODI World Cup, which the country won on home soil. CSK acknowledged his contribution to the franchise as he moved on to a new professional assignment.
Simons has since joined England’s Test team as bowling coach, working alongside former CSK fielding coach James Foster. Stephen Fleming, who stepped down after spending 18 years as CSK head coach, is also part of England’s coaching setup.
Rajiv Kumar’s departure is another notable change for the franchise. The former Jharkhand captain joined CSK in 2018 as fielding coach, replacing Steve Rixon, before later taking on responsibilities as assistant batting coach. Kumar brought coaching experience from the United Kingdom and had also captained Jharkhand in first-class cricket. Former India captain MS Dhoni was among the players who played under his leadership.
CSK also acknowledged Kumar’s contribution to player preparation and development during his association with the team.
Meanwhile, Tommy Simsek’s departure ends one of the longest-running support staff associations in IPL history. He had served as the franchise’s physiotherapist since the inaugural IPL season in 2008, working closely with multiple generations of players.
Simsek’s long association with the team saw him support CSK through several successful campaigns and changing squad combinations. The franchise’s experienced players have often earned the team the nickname ‘Dad’s Army’, reflecting its reputation for relying on seasoned cricketers.
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The exits of King, Hussey, Simons, Kumar and Simsek signal a substantial change in CSK’s support structure. With new appointments already announced, the franchise will look to establish a refreshed coaching system ahead of IPL 2027.
For CSK, the coming months will be important in aligning its coaching staff, player fitness programme and tactical preparations as the team aims to remain competitive in the next IPL season.
