Gareth Batty, who skilfully guided Surrey to win three successive County Championships from 2022 to 2024, has decided to leave the club and take on a new role with Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Batty, aged 49, will serve as an assistant to Zaheer Khan, his former teammate at Worcestershire.
After concluding his playing career with Surrey in 2021, Batty transitioned into coaching, taking on the head coach position. In 2025, following the triumphant title hat-trick, Surrey managed to finish as runners-up to Nottinghamshire, but their most recent campaign saw them narrowly avoid relegation, ultimately securing a seventh-place finish. The team also faced challenges in T20 Blast and the One-Day Cup, not progressing past the early stages of either competition.
Alongside his role at Surrey, Batty contributed as an assistant coach to Oval Invincibles during their successful 2025 season and later joined MI London, affiliated with the Mumbai Indians, in this year’s revamped tournament. Now, he’s set to aid CSK, amidst a significant reshuffle of their coaching team following Stephen Fleming’s appointment as England’s Test coach. Fleming’s move also involves hiring assistants Eric Simons and James Foster.
Batty’s departure marks the end of a two-decade-long relationship with Surrey. Returning to the club in 2010 after an earlier stint from 1998 to 2001, he served as captain from 2015 to 2017 before Rory Burns took over the leadership role. Reflecting on his time at Surrey, Batty expressed his gratitude: “Thank you hardly seems enough for all that Surrey has meant to me. It has been a privilege to serve this great club, to share in its success and challenges.”
Alec Stewart, Surrey’s cricket director, commended Batty’s contributions, recognising the pressure at a well-resourced club like Surrey. “I have known and worked with Gareth for many years, and throughout that time, he has shown an outstanding commitment to this club,” Stewart stated. “His dedication as a player and captain, along with his expertise and will to succeed, have been invaluable to the team’s growth.”
Batty’s remarkable achievement of clinching three consecutive championship titles speaks volumes of his dedication, player insight, and winning mentality. As he embarks on his new venture with CSK in the IPL, Batty is poised for another exciting chapter in his coaching career.
