'A fantastic initiative' - Michael Hussey on CSK launching cricket academies in Tamil Nadu

Former Australian batter and CSK legend Michael Hussey was highly delighted to see the Chennai Super Kings academies getting launched in a few months’ time in Tamil Nadu. CSK academy has been started in two centers, one in Thoraipakkam, Chennai, and the other one in Salem and it will facilitate high-class cricket training for both boys and girls. The academy is also expected to expand across the state in the coming years.

CSK has been one of the most successful teams in the IPL over the years and they have managed to win four championship titles so far. The franchise has made the playoffs in every year they have played excluding 2020 and the owners of the group have done a great job in investing in their experienced heads like MS Dhoni. This will be a great opportunity for the youngsters who are waiting to show up in IPL.

Would be awesome to see a number of players coming out: Micheal Hussey

Michael Hussey mentioned that the move to facilitate CSK academies will bring a lot of youngsters into the limelight and benefit them hugely. He hoped that the academy could produce a lot of players for CSK in the future. Hussey played for the CSK side from the inaugural edition to 2013 and then returned back to the side in 2015. He was the first centurion from the franchise in IPL history.

“I think it’s a fantastic initiative, really excited about it. I think this gives opportunities to so many youngsters out there to get access to some great facilities, great coaching, and then hopefully improve their game and come up the ranks and then one day. It would be awesome to see a number of players coming out of these academies playing for CSK in the IPL,” Hussey was quoted as saying by The New Indian Express.

Meanwhile, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan noted that the franchise has been looking to build an excellent platform for the next generation of cricketers and added that the top-class facilities will definitely help in the longer run. The academy in Chennai is expected to be launched from April 2022 with the summer camps.

“We have been involved with cricket for five decades and believe this is an ideal way to give back to the sport. This will be the right opportunity for us to share our experience and help nurture the next generation of cricketers. With experienced coaches and the best of facilities, the Super Kings Academy will not only provide top-class coaching but also take a holistic approach in guiding boys and girls,” CSK CEO was quoted as saying.