“Great Boon For CSK”: Kasi Viswanathan On N Srinivasan’s Return As Chairman

N Srinivasan is back in a formal role at Chennai Super Kings as chairman, a move CEO Kasi Viswanathan calls a “great boon” for the franchise. The 80-year-old former BCCI president will serve in an advisory capacity, staying closely involved from Chennai and guiding strategy rather than traveling with teams. His appointment was decided at a recent CSK board meeting and marks a steady return to sports administration for one of the IPL’s most influential figures.

Srinivasan’s role will focus on big-picture decisions and oversight across CSK’s wider cricket portfolio. Beyond the IPL side, he will also supervise properties linked to the franchise in overseas leagues, notably the teams connected to CSK in SA20 and Major League Cricket (MLC). The CEO explained that while Srinivasan won’t be touring much, day-to-day contact will be regular, given both are based in Chennai. This setup allows the franchise to lean on his experience at board level while operational heads manage travel and execution.

The timing is significant. CSK endured a tough IPL 2025, finishing last for the first time in their history. A stronger, clearly defined board structure—with Srinivasan as chairman, supported by full-time leadership on the ground—suggests a rebuild push before the 2026 season. His long administrative track record, understanding of squad composition, coaching continuity, and long-term planning could help steady the franchise after an unusually turbulent campaign.

There was also an update on Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired from the IPL after ending his tournament journey with CSK. While talk had surfaced about whether he might play for CSK-linked teams abroad, Viswanathan clarified that Ashwin remains involved at the CSK academy. As for league commitments, he is not registered for SA20 and is registered for ILT20—where CSK has no presence. That means any future playing link will depend on registrations and league affiliations, but his mentorship and development role within the CSK pathway is already active.

What this adds up to is a more defined leadership spine. The chairman’s advisory oversight, combined with operational directors and the CEO’s daily management, aims to stitch together IPL planning, scouting, and global franchise alignment. With SA20 and MLC on the business map and an IPL rebuild looming, the franchise appears to be tightening its structures to turn a disappointing year into a reset season.