Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batting coach Mike Hussey has called for a major improvement in the team’s talent identification strategy as the franchise grapples with a dismal Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) campaign.
With CSK rooted to the bottom of the points table, Hussey believes better scouting and recruitment are key to turning the five-time champions’ fortunes around.
Speaking to the media before CSK’s home game against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Hussey outlined the team’s plan to sharpen their approach.
"I think one area that we’ve really identified that we want to improve on is the talent identification side of things. So, we have had different players come in and train with us at various stages, almost on trial a little bit, but also when their names come up for an auction, then at least we’ve seen them, we’ve had eyes on them," Hussey said as quoted in the pre-match presser.
CSK’s struggles this season, with just two wins in nine matches, have exposed weaknesses in their squad, particularly in the batting line-up. Players like Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Vijay Shankar, Deepak Hooda, and Rahul Tripathi have been inconsistent, forcing the team to experiment with uncapped talents.
Youngsters like 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre, Shaik Rasheed, and South African prospect Dewald Brevis have been given a go by CSK.
"I mean, we get sent all the videos, packages and stuff. But to be able to actually watch them in the flesh, it does give you a bit more to go on."
"If we can play some practice games, see them (youngsters) under pressure, we can make more informed decisions about the talent that we’re looking at moving forward," Hussey added.
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Hussey emphasized the importance of the high-performance center in evaluating players under pressure. While the Aussie is aware of the fact that CSK can make mistakes, he noted that if the franchise focuses on this aspect, it will keep them in good stead going forward.
"We’re still going to make mistakes, no question. But if we can make more informed decisions, then I think that will help the franchise moving forward."
"It’s a magnificent facility, that high-performance centre. It’s a fantastic resource for us, so we should use it. And to be able to put players into situations in practice games that is closer to the match. I mean, we can bat in the nets, and that’s fine but to expose them in a match situation at practice is closer to what they’re going to experience in a match," Hussey stated.
Despite fading playoff hopes, CSK remains committed to improvement. The MS Dhoni-led side will face Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 30 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai in a must-win game.
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