CHENNAI SUPER KINGS have appointed former India seamer Lakshmipathy Balaji as their bowling coach for the upcoming season. He will be a part of the coaching staff led by Stephen Fleming.
The franchise, which appears to reacquire its core squad, has already retained MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja. CSK’s CEO K S Viswanathan announced at a promotional event that Fleming, Michael Hussey (batting coach) and Balaji would form part of the coaching set-up while trainer Gregory King and physio Tommy Simsek from the old set up would also remain. He said,
“We like to retain the core team because of which we are retaining the entire support staff, with Fleming as the head coach and Hussey as the batting coach and Balaji, the local boy, as bowling coach. Also, we will be retaining the physio Tommy Simzek and trainer Gregory King.”
Skipper MS Dhoni said the franchise’s brand image was not affected despite the franchise missing two years of IPL due to suspension.
“IPL controversy has not affected the brand image of the team. Even when we did not play in the IPL in the last two years, the fan base increased. Yes, it did hurt when the team was suspended for two years. We are more like a family. Stay together through ups and downs.”