James Foster Appointed Fielding Coach of Chennai Super Kings Ahead of IPL 2026

James Foster has been appointed as the fielding coach of Chennai Super Kings. He will work under head coach Stephen Fleming. Foster played as a wicketkeeper for England from 2001 to 2009 and has been coaching in franchise cricket since retiring from playing in 2018. 

He won the ILT20 as head coach at Desert Vipers in January, and was recently appointed as assistant coach at Birmingham Phoenix in the Hundred. He has also worked in international cricket with both England and New Zealand's coaching staff.

James Foster joins Chennai Super Kings as fielding coach

He previously worked for Kolkata Knight Riders as a fielding coach and assistant coach for several seasons. At Chennai Super Kings, he will work with Michael Hussey (batting coach) and Eric Simons (bowling coach). 

He will also work closely with CSK's wicketkeepers, including the former India and CSK captain MS Dhoni and new signing Sanju Samson, who was Player of the Tournament at the recently concluded T20 World Cup.

Five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings will start their Indian Premier League 2026 campaign on March 30 against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. They will then play Punjab Kings at home on April 3, Royal Challengers Bengaluru away on April 5, and Delhi Capitals at home on April 11. CSK finished last in the IPL 2025 season, winning only four of their 14 matches.