CSK, Mumbai Indians to start IPL-11, match timings retained

CSK will play its first home match against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 10. The upcoming edition will feature 12 matches that will be played at 4 PM and 48 matches will start at 8 PM. 

Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings has signed up Eric Simons as a bowling consultant ahead of the 2018 Indian Premier League season, and the former South Africa International joins an experienced coaching staff comprising Head Coach Stephen Fleming, batting coach Michael Hussey and bowling coach Lakshmipathy Balaji. 

“CSK has always carried an aura of success and confidence which makes it a great privilege to be a part of the franchise and to be a part of the inner workings of such a successful team,” the former India bowling coach said about his appointment to the CSK website. 

“In every IPL tournament, CSK is seen as one of the teams to beat. CSK has been pace setters in many ways but particularly in the way it has set up its team balance and always maintained a great consistency in squad selection. One always sensed that the team (members) were proud to represent CSK,” added Simons. 

“CSK has put a fantastic group of coaches together and I grabbed with both hands the opportunity presented to me to be a part of the team. As MS (Dhoni) defines the players at CSK, so Fleming is the constant that defines the coaches. He is a shrewd operator and with MS has forged the formidable partnership that has brought CSK the success that it has achieved,” the 55-year-old stated.  

Simons further hailed Dhoni’s contribution in the growth of CSK.  “No other IPL franchise has been defined by an individual in the manner in which MS defines CSK,” the Cape Town-born said. 

KS Viswanathan, CEO, CSK, said Simons’ presence will be of immense help. “Eric has tremendous experience of working with both Indian and overseas bowlers. Combined with Balaji’s knowledge and experience of Indian conditions, I’m sure that the bowling department will benefit a lot,” Viswanathan stated.