Foster, who won 23 caps across formats as England wicketkeeper between 2001 and 2009, has coached extensively in franchise cricket since he called time on his playing career 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.

He previously spent several seasons working for KKR as a fielding coach and assistant coach. At CSK, he will work alongside 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 CSK begin their IPL 2026 campaign on March 30 against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. They then play Punjab Kings (Apr 3) at home, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Apr 5) away and Delhi Capitals (Apr 11) at home again. The team finished last in IPL 2025 with only four wins in 14 outings.