As the hunt for Chennai Super Kings’ new head coach is underway, there is a lot of speculation about who will take over from Stephen Fleming. Former CSK player Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan reckons that it would be ideal to promote someone from within the set-up, saying that Michael Hussey could be the right man for the job.

“The big question for the management is: do they want someone similar to Fleming or do they want to go in a new direction? Someone like Brendon McCullum who is more flamboyant and will embrace a high-risk approach,” said Vidyut. “More importantly, the new coach has to align with MS Dhoni’s thought process.”

Vidyut felt that in Hussey, CSK has a coach who is well-respected and understands the IPL ecosystem. “Hussey can be the head coach, but they can get some fresh support staff. He will understand what the team needs and is somebody who has evolved very well with the times. He has been in the system for a long time.”

The former TN opener, who has also been a scout for Super Kings, opined that the franchise could do well with having a Director of Cricket who works through the year. “CSK needs someone like Mo Bobat (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)… someone responsible for identifying the right talent and getting the best squad in the auction because the auction dynamics are very different to coaching,” he added. “In recent years, the other teams have been braver in all aspects, and CSK needs to be more dynamic in its approach.”

All praise

Talking about Fleming’s legacy, Vidyut heaped praise on the New Zealander.

“I remember the first year when he was just a player; after I got out pulling Glenn McGrath, he threw down 60 to 70 balls before the reverse fixture in Delhi to help me improve my pull shot on the front foot. That showed how much he was ready to help. Even when he became a coach, he ensured that he backed the players and did so not just by words but by action. Fleming and Dhoni ensured the team atmosphere was always good,” said Vidyut.