‘Balaji to be the bowling coach’

Elaborating on the policy of retaining the core group, Viswanathan said the same logic applied to the support staff as well. “We are planning to have the same support staff who have been with us since the inception. Stephen Fleming, Michael Hussey and former player Laxmipathy Balaji have been appointed as the head coach, batting coach and bowling coach respectively.  

We (as a unit) are working on the composition of the team which will be finalised only at the auctions. With the core of the team and the support staff back, I’m sure that they will take the brand of CSK to greater heights,” added Viswanathan. Former India and CSK pacer, L Balaji said it was a moment of great pride and happiness for him when he was appointed the team’s bowling coach on Friday. Balaji, who earlier worked in a similar capacity for Kolkata Knight Riders, praised the CSK team management for doing its bit to retain the identity of the team. 

“Being a native of Chennai, I’m extremely satisfied at this development. I’m looking forward to forging a close bond with head coach Stephen Fleming and batting consultant Mike Hussey. I share a great rapport with Fleming as I have the unique distinction of playing alongside and under him,” reflected the 36-year-old. 

What made the occasion all the more worthwhile, according to Viswanathan, was the decision of the IPL Governing Council to allow the franchises to retain three players, which enabled CSK to get back its star skipper MS Dhoni. 

“During the launch of the second edition of the Tamil Nadu Premier League, we were unsure about the possibility of retaining Dhoni as the BCCI had not announced its policy. But luckily on December 6, the governing body announced its retention policy which allowed each team to retain a maximum of five players (three before the auction and two by the use of Right to Match cards  during the auction). 

“It was a no brainer to retain our captain Dhoni. We have been successful and consistent over the course of eight years. We are also the only franchise to have made it to the knockouts or the playoffs in every single edition and we have won two Champions League titles,” added Viswanathan. 

Viswanathan also emphasised the significance of retaining the core group of players. “It was important for us to retain the core of the team and that prompted us to retain Ravindra Jadeja and Suresh Raina. We would want to build the team around these three players and we are confident that they will carry us forward,” said Viswanathan, the former secretary of TNCA.