“One area that we’ve really identified that we want to improve on is the talent identification side of things,” these were the words that came from Chennai Super Kings batting coach Mike Hussey on Tuesday as he admitted that the five-time champions CSK need to improve in identifying and nurturing young talent.
With just two wins in nine matches, currently languishing at the bottom of the points table, CSK’s struggles this season have been largely attributed to an underwhelming auction strategy.
While CSK have successfully revived and given a second wind to the careers of seasoned pros like Ajinkya Rahane and Shivam Dube, they continue to face criticism for not investing enough in emerging talent.
The team handed IPL debuts to 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre and 20-year-old Shaik Rasheed after putting them through match-simulation training at their high-performance centre. They have also bought 22-year-old South African Dewald Brevis.
“We get sent all the videos, packages and stuff. But to be able to actually watch them in the flesh, it does give you a bit more to go on.
“If we can play some practice games, see them (youngsters) under pressure, we can make more informed decisions about the talent that we’re looking at moving forward,” Hussey said ahead of CSK’s IPL match against Punjab Kings.
Rajasthan Royals’ latest batting sensation, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who took the IPL by storm by hitting the fastest century by an Indian in the tournament at just 14, also impressed Hussey. His 101-run innings reminded Hussey of how the whole Australian team would be eager to watch Adam Gilchrist bat.
“We felt this in Australia when Adam Gilchrist walked out to bat, the whole team would come into the viewing area, sit there and watch the game, because they’re just so exciting. I felt the same watching this young kid last night.”
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