"Need To Improve...": Chennai Super Kings Batting Coach Makes Explosive IPL 2025 Revelation

Chennai Super Kings batting coach Mike Hussey on Tuesday admitted that the five-time champions need to improve in identifying and nurturing young talent. Currently languishing at the bottom of the points table, CSK's struggles this season have been largely attributed to an underwhelming auction strategy. While the franchise has successfully revived the careers of seasoned players like Ajinkya Rahane and Shivam Dube, it continues to face criticism for not investing enough in emerging talent. "I think one area that we've really identified that we want to improve on is the talent identification side of things," Hussey said.

"So, we have had different players come in and train with us at various stages, almost on trial a little bit, but also when their names come up for an auction, then at least we've seen them, we've had eyes on them." With opening combinations of Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, and Rahul Tripathi failing to deliver consistently, CSK have turned to youth.

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.

"I mean, 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.

The Australian believes that while mistakes in recruitment are inevitable, the groundwork being laid now could pay dividends in the long run.

"We're still