Chennai Super Kings appoint ex-Kolkata Knight Riders fielding coach ahead of IPL 2026 Chennai Super Kings have appointed former England wicketkeeper-batter James Foster as their fielding coach ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The five-time IPL champions aim to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign, during which they finished at the bottom of the table for the first time in their history. The move signals a strategic shift as the franchise seeks to tighten its standards and rebuild its competitive edge. Foster, 45, brings a blend of international experience and coaching expertise to the role. A former England international, he played seven Tests, 11 ODIs, and five T20Is between 2001 and 2009. His coaching career includes stints with the Kolkata Knight Riders as a fielding coach, as well as roles with teams like the Desert Vipers, Northern Superchargers, and Peshawar Zalmi. This diverse background is expected to benefit CSK, which prioritizes structured systems and clear role definitions. The appointment complements an already experienced coaching staff led by head coach Stephen Fleming. The support group includes batting coach Mike Hussey, bowling coach Eric Simons, assistant bowling coach Sridharan Sriram, and fielding coach Rajiv Kumar. Foster’s addition aims to strengthen the team’s fielding discipline, a critical area for improvement after a season marked by only four wins in 14 matches. CSK’s rebuild is already in motion, with pre-season preparations underway. The franchise has begun its high-performance camp for Indian players, including MS Dhoni and Ayush Mhatre. Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube are currently with the Indian team at the T20 World Cup 2026 and are expected to rejoin the squad later. Shreyas Gopal will join after completing domestic commitments.#ipl_2026 #chennai_super_kings #kolkata_knight_riders #james_foster #stephen_fleming
