Chennai Super Kings (CSK) aim to rebuild, and focussing on youth is part of the process. It’s been a poor season for them, with just four points from 11 matches. But the five-time IPL champions are a mature enough franchise not to press the panic button.
“We are not blaming anyone, and we will rebuild,” CSK chief executive Kasi Viswanathan told RevSportz. His team is here in Kolkata to play their IPL match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Wednesday.
But why did the season go south? Was it down to auction strategy? “A lot of players lost their form at the same time, that’s the reason,” said Viswanathan. “They all are very good players, but it can happen to any team. Also, Ruturaj (Gaikwad) got injured. Not always will you win in cricket. We didn’t play well this time. But we will come back strong.”
For so long, the ‘dad’s army’ tag was attached to CSK. Banking on experience had served the team brilliantly. But this term, as things didn’t quite go to plan on the field, the Chennai-based franchise brought in a couple of kids. Ayush Mhatre, 17, and Dewald Brevis, 22, were signed as replacements, and both have impressed. “They are very talented young players. Going ahead, we will also focus on youth,” said Viswanathan.
There’s a school of thought CSK’s brand of T20 cricket has become passé and they need to embrace a more modern approach. “It is down to the coaching staff and the cricket management to decide,” said Viswanathan, throwing his weight behind the coaching team – Stephen Fleming & Co. “We don’t interfere in cricketing matters. We have total faith in them.”
A lot of players in the team have reached the twilight of their respective careers. Will there be a mass clear-out next season? “Once again, it’s the cricket management’s call,” noted Viswanathan. “They will decide.”
Dhoni hasn’t told us anything
It has now become a staple question, if the ongoing season is going to be MS Dhoni’s last? The answer from the CSK side remains unchanged. “It’s his call, we will never tell him anything,” reiterated Viswanathan. “If he takes a decision, he will inform us. He hasn’t told us anything.”