Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have appointed former England wicketkeeper-batter James Foster as their new fielding coach ahead of IPL 2026, bolstering their support staff as the five-time champions look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season.
The 45-year-old Foster will work under long-time head coach Stephen Fleming, alongside batting coach Michael Hussey and bowling coach Eric Simons. The appointment was confirmed on Monday as CSK continued their preparations for the new campaign.
“Say Yellove to our fielding coach James Foster! Former England wicketkeeper and a coach with experience across teams worldwide, he now kicks off this new chapter with the Pride,” CSK said in a social media post.
Foster brings considerable experience both as a player and a coach. During his international career, he represented England in seven Tests, 11 ODIs and five T20Is between 2001 and 2009. While he was known as a dependable wicketkeeper, it is his growing coaching pedigree in franchise cricket that has made him an attractive fit for CSK.
Before joining CSK, Foster built a strong reputation across T20 leagues. He previously worked with Kolkata Knight Riders as assistant and fielding coach, and has also held coaching roles with Desert Vipers in the ILT20, Northern Superchargers in The Hundred, and Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL. He was recently appointed assistant coach of Birmingham Phoenix for the upcoming edition of The Hundred.
CSK LOOK TO BOUNCE BACK
Chennai Super Kings suffered their poorest IPL season in 2025, ending at the bottom of the table for the first time in the tournament’s history. The five-time champions finished 10th in the league stage with only four wins in 14 matches, managing eight points and a net run rate of -0.647.
Even a commanding 83-run victory over Gujarat Titans in their final league fixture was not enough to lift them off the foot of the standings, with Rajasthan Royals staying above them on net run rate. It was a remarkable slump for one of the IPL’s most successful and consistent franchises, who had never before finished last in any edition.
CSK will now look to turn the page when they begin their IPL 2026 campaign with an away clash against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 30, before returning to Chepauk for their first home game against Punjab Kings on April 4.
