MS Dhoni playing key role in marshalling talent: Kasi Viswanathan

Chennai Super Kings, currently second in the IPL 2018 points table, have dazzled the tournament with their exciting, aggressive style. The performances are testament to the side’s character, considering they are coming back into the tournament after been suspended for two years due to the spot-fixing scandal.

The continued success is all due to one factor. In an exclusive chat, Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan has said skipper MSDhoni’s ability to marshal the talent available in the side brilliantly is the key factor.

“Chennai Super Kings are blessed to have Dhoni, one of the greatest captains India has ever produced, in the side. He manages to get the best out of the players. The way how he is able to marshal the talent is brilliant,” Viswanathan said.

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Dhoni has been the constant factor behind Chennai Super Kings’ brilliant run. Under the former Indian skipper, the team won two IPL titles and reached the play-offs in every edition till 2015.

When asked about the consistent success of the two-time IPL champions, Viswanathan said, “If you look at Chennai Super Kings right from season one, the team is committed to doing well. The side is concentrating on putting in great performances in the field and is showing tremendous commitment. It is a total team effort.”

Bitter disappointments

Chennai Super Kings’ great run has been marred with disappointments. After playing against Kolkata Knight Riders at the MA Chidambaram stadium, the home games were shifted to Pune following protests from Tamil outfits over the Cauvery water dispute.

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Viswanathan said the logistics in shifting the venue to Pune was a challenge and the disappointment of the fans was bitter. “We moved to Pune where we have had success in the past. There was massive disappointment among the fans but it was a situation where we did not have control. It was a big logistical and emotional challenge but we got it done,” Viswanathan said.

The Chennai Super Kings CEO added that logistically, the team had experience in setting up their home games outside of Chepauk, having played in Ranchi during the 2014 edition. Following the shift, the Chennai Super Kings management organised the ‘Whistle Podu’ Express, where thousands of fans would head to Pune in a special train.

“We decided to do some things for the fans who were disappointed that the games were shifted out of Chepauk. We have done some things to satisfy our passionate supporters. However, the disappointment will never fully go away,” Viswanathan said.