‘MSD knew CSK’s potential’

When Chennai Super Kings failed to make it to the playoffs last year for the first time in the Indian Premier Leaguersquos history the knives were out with several experts suggesting a complete overhaul of the teamMS Dhonirsquos Dadrsquos Army urgently requires infusion of young talent many reckoned MS Dhoni and Kasi ViswanathanHowever all they did at the 2021 auction was buy six playersmdashthree capped players K Gowtham Moeen Ali Cheteshwar Pujara and three uncapped players K Bhagath Varma C Hari Nishaanth and Harisankar Reddy And with almost the same squad CSK provided a fitting reply to their critics with a fourth IPL title when Dhonirsquos men beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 27 runs in the final on Friday at Dubai Keeping the faithCSKrsquos chief executive Kasi Viswanathan said there was never any thought about rejigging their squad after just one bad season ldquoWe had full faith in the team We had just one bad year which happens to any team We never lost confidence in our players We knew they had the potential to do well The process which we normally follow was followed this time too We are very happy to finish on the winning side The team worked very hard and the results are there for everyone to seerdquo Viswanathan told Sunday midday from Dubai Also Read MSD on IPL 2022 Have to decide whats good for CSK franchise shouldnt sufferCaptain Cool Dhonirsquos policy aligned with the team management ldquoHe Dhoni knew the teamrsquos potential There was no panic in the side which is important to know In 12 years just one bad year is fine even by the law of averagesrdquo Viswanathan said ldquoWe also wanted to show that age is only a number The important thing is how you perform Experience also matters a bit So with experience and a bit of youth in the side we expect to do consistently well That is our mottordquo he addedWhen CSK clinched the onesided contest against KKR in the summit clash there was no overthetop celebration There were just handshakes and ample mutual respect for the losing team ldquoWe normally donrsquot have celebrations except for a small dinner We just have handshakesthatrsquos our normal thing It is not necessary that we have to show our joy by running on to the field Nothing wrong with that but it is not in our team culture We donrsquot express ourselves in that mannerrdquo said ViswanathanThe CSK team culture is also pretty cool like their captain ldquoWhether it is the final or the first game we take each game on its merit We donrsquot put pressure The captain keeps things very simple I will not say there is no pressure to perform but each one is given a role and they are expected to perform their best in that rolerdquo said ViswanathanDhonirsquos future for the next IPL has come under immense speculation At the presentation ceremony after the final Dhoni once again kept his cards close to his chest ldquoIrsquove said it before it depends on BCCI With two new teams coming in we have to decide what is good for CSK Itrsquos not about me being there in top three or four Itrsquos about making a strong core to ensure the franchise doesnrsquot suffer The core group we have to have a hard look to see who can contribute for the next 10 yearsrdquo Dhoni said When asked about the legacy he has left behind Dhoni remarked ldquoStill I havenrsquot left behind laughsrdquolsquoDhoni will playrsquoViswanathan is confident Dhoni will play for CSK in the next IPL where two new teams will be added ldquoWe have not discussed anything on these lines with MS because we are not clear what the BCCI policy will be as far as retention is concerned We would always want that he remains with usrdquo When asked whether he would play Viswanathan said ldquoHe will I donrsquot think there is any problem Itrsquos my personal viewrdquoAlso Read Fafrsquos experience proved invaluable