“Every decision depends on him”: Kasi Viswanathan, CSK CEO, on MS Dhoni’s future

By Simran Gupta, Chennai

Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan opened up on MS Dhoni’s future with the franchise, the team’s rebuilding phase, and the culture that has made CSK one of the IPL’s most loved teams. In an exclusive conversation with Simran Gupta of RevSportz, he reflected on injuries, leadership, fan expectations, and the possibility of CSK entering the Women’s Premier League. Viswanathan also stressed that Dhoni alone will decide his next step with the franchise.

Simran Gupta: So first up, you have been part of the IPL ecosystem and CSK since its early years to what it is today. According to you, what would be one of the biggest changes or evolutions that you have seen?

Kasi Viswanathan: I have been involved with cricket administration and as a cricketer with a company called India Cements Limited, which promoted cricket. I was involved first as a player for India Cements for about 8-9 years in the league system and then took over as the manager of the cricket teams which were under the control of the company in the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association.

In 2007, when the idea of the IPL was floated, Mr Srinivasan was the treasurer of the board and at that time he took permission from the BCCI president — Mr Sharad Pawar — on whether India Cements, as a company, could bid for the IPL. After the approval was given, we bid for the IPL, though we were great followers of Test cricket.

Simran: Recently, CSK has had to make some squad replacements due to unforeseen injuries, such as Kuldip Yadav’s. So, how does the management handle the stress and workload of acquiring players mid-season?

Kasi: MS [Dhoni], as captain, always used to say that you have to be prepared for injuries during a season. If you look at the composition of any IPL team, you have players involved in international cricket and domestic cricket who come in after long stints in both formats.

As I said earlier, we have to be prepared for injury replacements and that is how we have operated over the years. But unfortunately, in the last couple of years, the injuries have probably been more than what we expected, and that is one of the reasons why we have had to go in for squad replacements.

Simran: CSK has one of the biggest fan bases because, for most people, it is more of an emotion than just a team. Is there something that the management or the team itself does differently from other teams to maintain that connection?

Kasi: I do not think we do anything differently from any other team. Basically, what I would attribute the fan base to is the fact that a man by the name of Mr MS Dhoni was the captain, and he is the one who has driven CSK to such success. The most important thing is that CSK, as a franchise, has been consistent in its performances.

If you are consistent in performing for the cricketing public, they will always have affection for the team. We respect the fans. We know that we have not done well in the last couple of years. Over a period of time, we will also have to change and strive to continue being as consistent as we were earlier.

Simran: Because the team performs so well and has players such as MS Dhoni himself, fans expect to see CSK in the playoffs at the very least. How does the team manage that pressure?

Kasi: It is a great disappointment for us that we could not qualify for the playoffs. As you would have seen, we have had a lot of youngsters coming into the side. We always know that we have to give them a bit of time to settle down, and we have to be patient.

We were very happy when we were qualifying and doing well. At the same time, we have to take it in the right spirit when we do not qualify, while also trying to identify where we made mistakes and how we can rectify them and return to winning ways.

Simran: There has been a lot of anticipation about CSK possibly having a team in the Women’s Premier League. Are there any structural updates that you could share?

Kasi: Our owner, Rupa Gurunath, is a great follower of cricket. She would definitely like, at some stage, when an opportunity arises and if we are able to compete and get into the Women’s Premier League, for us to be involved. But I cannot say exactly when it will happen. That is a call we will have to take.

Simran: Recently, CSK suffered losses to Lucknow Super Giants and Sunrisers Hyderabad. But one thing that has always been associated with this team is that they are among the calmest and most composed sides in the competition. How does the management or team foster genuine institutional positivity in the dressing room and meeting rooms?

Kasi: It was a big setback for us when we lost to LSG as well as SRH. But in the IPL, if you look at the composition of teams now, any team can beat any other team on a given day. Every side is highly competitive and very good in its approach, and all of them have become used to the competition now.

We are hoping that the youngsters would have learnt from those defeats and understood where we could have done better. I think we will improve next year.

Simran: One of the biggest questions everybody has concerns MS Dhoni. He has not been playing this season due to a calf injury. Have there been any long-term association plans discussed for him?

Kasi: We have not discussed anything with MS as of now because, as you know, MS takes his decisions on his own, and we respect that. We would always like to have him as a permanent fixture at CSK in whatever capacity — be it as a player, coach or mentor. Whatever it is, it depends on what he decides. Every decision depends on him.

Simran: Ruturaj Gaikwad has been known to be one of the most composed captains and has been leading the team extremely well. What sort of benchmark do you think he is setting for the next generation?

Kasi: Ruturaj took over from MS after having watched him for 3-4 years. MS and Fleming have developed Ruturaj into a very calm captain. I am sure that in the years to come, he will also imbibe that quality in some of the cricketers who come in to play for CSK.

CSK, as a franchise, has always maintained a culture that we expect the players to follow. Cricket is the main aim for us, and the process we set, along with the dedication shown towards team unity, is what matters most.

Simran: Finally, sir, would you have any message for the CSK fans?

Kasi: I would always love to thank them for the affection and faith they have shown in CSK. I am sure that in the years to come as well, we will try to uphold that faith and keep it going.

Simran: Thank you so much, sir, for joining us.

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