Former Australian cricketer Michael Hussey, who renews his relationship with Chennai Super Kings after playing for Mumbai Indians last year, was down to business on Wednesday as he started training in the city ahead of the eighth season of the Indian Premier League which gets underway in less than a week from now.
Ever since his blistering century against Kings XI Punjab way back in 2008, Hussey has had a loyal following in the city.
“I feel very happy coming back to the city. I have a lots of friends here and great memories playing in this venue. I am privileged to be back in the team,” said ‘Mr. Cricket’, who played an important part in CSK’s two IPL triumphs and the 2010 Champions League win.
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Since retiring from international cricket, Hussey has donned the role of a commentator and also plays for Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League.
Speaking about CSK’s prospects, he said, “We have a great team with a lot of depth and have a very good chance.”
Unlike his previous stint, Hussey will have a fight on his hands to find a place in the squad as an overseas player. “There is competition for places and that’s a good thing to have,” said the southpaw.
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Hussey, who had in the past set up many a match for CSK at the top of the order, said he is open to any role the team demands of him.
“If it is opening or in the middle or even helping the young players off the field, I am open to it,” he added.
Last year CSK zeroed in on Brendon McCullum and Dwayne Smith at the top of the order but with the latter not having a great World Cup, the Aussie could fancy the second opener slot, which could also give the team a left-hand-right-hand combination.
Speaking about Australia’s World Cup triumph, Hussey, who was part of the WC winning squad in 2007, said, “the team had a fantastic squad in terms of balance, depth and a lot of match-winners.
“It was just about confidence and dealing with pressure of doing well at home. And they did it very well.