As Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings has returned to the fold of widely acclaimed Twenty20 competition, to feature in the eleventh edition of the league, which further saw former Australia batsman Mike Hussey showing his interest to mentor CSK.
After playing an integral role for Australia in the international circuit, Hussey has opted for different domestic leagues across the globe, as he believes Super Kings has been his personal favourite side owing to the cordial atmosphere.
“Luckily, for me, I was able to build some excellent relationships with CSK. So it would be wonderful to get involved in CSK in a coaching role,” Hussey was quoted as saying by ToI.
Hussey, who is enjoying the commentary stint in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) is keen to step up to the opportunity of being given a chance in the 2018 IPL edition.
“If there is an opportunity, I would be definitely interested,” Hussey added.
The 42-year-old has played a pivotal role for the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Super Kings in the past, as he has been a cornerstone for the T20 set-up for six years since the inception of IPL in 2008.
“I definitely won’t be coming back as a player (laughs). Once VVS Laxman and I were having a casual conversation and he had told me about India coach’s job,” Hussey remarked.
While spending a quality time with the Super Kings, Hussey had has been the part of IPL side in 2010 and 2011, respectively when the Yellow Army won the titles which further saw the batsman scoring 492 runs in the fourth edition of the IPL to make things easier for the celebrated Chennai-based outfit.
It’s pertinent to mention the Super Kings side was banned for the ninth and tenth edition of IPL, in an investigation bid regarding 2013 fixing scandal case.
“Two years is a long time in IPL and the teams and players have moved on. But CSK was always a well-run team. The owners give the coaching staff complete freedom,” Hussey said.
Interestingly, Hussey revealed the personal commitments forced him to retire from international cricket, as he used to be away from home for around ten months before stating he would enjoy the role of a mentorship.
“But mentoring is fun and is about building up a rapport,” Hussey concluded.
Hussey further believes it would be a daunting challenge for the CSK management to come good straightaway, as he suggested the side has to pick the quality players, in a bid to rise against the tide on its grand return.