Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are looking to bolster their talent scouting and development. This comes after they have failed to leave a mark in the ongoing Indian Premier League season. CSK‘s batting coach, Michael Hussey recently opened up on the same. The Yellow Army have previously resuscitated the careers of several Indian players. They recently added the 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis to their roster.
Michael Hussey feels seeing these youngsters under pressure in practice games can help make better decisions about future talent. He admitted that India is full of talent but stressed on picking the right players for CSK’s future success. CSK have added Ayush Mhatre, Shaik Rasheed, and Brevis to their squad after observing their rigorous training at the high-performance academy on the outskirts of Chennai.
CSK’s struggle in IPL 2025
CSK, struggling at the last spot with two wins in nine games, will be welcoming PBKS at their home venue of Chepauk on Wednesday. PBKS is at fifth spot with five wins. Once known for reviving the IPL careers of Shivam Dube, Shane Watson, and Ajinkya Rahane, CSK is struggling to survive and has long-term superstars MS Dhoni, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja.
The introduction of youngsters like Shaik Rasheed, Dewald Brevis and Ayush Mhatre has not changed much either in recent games as the team has failed to deliver all-round performances. Ahead of his side’s Indian Premier League clash against Punjab Kings at Chepauk on Wednesday, Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey has said that the team needs to get better at identifying and nurturing young talent.
A number of things have gone wrong for CSK this season and they continue to remain at the bottom of the points table. They lost their captain Ruturaj Gaikwad to injury five games into the tournament, the top order and the middle order has not fired, while their bowling, barring Noor Ahmad, has blown hot and cold. Even CSK’s fielding has been below average. They have dropped the second-most catches among all teams this season, drawing criticism from Dhoni after CSK’s previous game against Punjab Kings (PBKS).
Despite a disappointing season that has seen Chennai Super Kings (CSK) eliminated from the IPL playoff race, batting coach Michael Hussey insists the five-time champions are not panicking and remain confident in their ability to match any team in the competition.
CSK are not going to panic, can compete with any team says positive batting coach Michael Hussey ahead of RCB clash in IPL 2025
Speaking ahead of their upcoming clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Michael Hussey acknowledged the team’s struggles but stressed that they remain focused on improvement and long-term planning.
“We’re certainly not going to panic and throw everything out just because it hasn’t gone well this year,” Hussey said.
“But we definitely need to tidy up on a few areas.”
CSK, who have won just two of their ten matches this season, currently sit at the bottom of the points table with only four points. Their elimination after the loss to Punjab Kings marked a historic low for the franchise, which failed to qualify for the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time.
Still, Hussey believes the team is not far off from being competitive again.
“I know we’re sitting at the bottom of the table and we haven’t won many games. But I actually don’t think we’re too far away,” he said.
“We have got some match-winning players in that line-up. We can definitely compete with any team in the competition.”
He pointed out that a few close matches could have swung CSK’s season in a different direction.
“I can think off the top of my head probably three games that they would have won, and they’d probably be sitting somewhere right up near the top four. I mean, there’s fine margins in this competition,” Hussey added.
Despite the setbacks, Hussey highlighted the positives, particularly the performances of emerging players such as Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis. He emphasized the importance of giving youngsters opportunities to develop and secure their futures with the franchise.
“It’s a great opportunity for some guys to get a chance to play in the IPL. Hopefully, they can grab their chances and shore up their spot in the squad for the next few years,” Hussey said.
“A few wins and a few players who have taken their opportunities — that would be fantastic by the end of the season.”
CSK have endured a tough IPL 2025 season, managing only two wins from ten games so far. They sit at the bottom of the points table. With four matches left, their hopes of making it to the top four is eliminated. However, they are keen to finish the season on a high note by playing their best cricket in the remaining matches starting with the match vs RCB.
Also Read: RCB vs CSK: Eliminated CSK Set To Spoil RCB’s Playoff Hopes