Mumbai, India – March 10, 2025
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has made a significant move by appointing former India all-rounder Sridharan Sriram as their assistant bowling coach ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. This move is seen as a strategic decision by the franchise to strengthen their bowling department, which has been a weak link in recent seasons.
Sriram, a seasoned all-rounder who represented India in eight One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and the 2009 IPL season for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, has an impressive coaching CV. He has been involved in various cricketing roles, including being the assistant coach of the Australian national team from 2016 to 2022, a T20 consultant for Bangladesh before the 2022 Asia Cup and World Cup, and a technical consultant for the 2023 ODI World Cup. Additionally, he has had stints with the Delhi Daredevils and the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Sriram’s appointment will see him join the CSK coaching contingent led by head coach Stephen Fleming, a former Kiwi captain, and an impressive team of support staff, including batting coach Mike Hussey and bowling consultant Eric Simmons. The presence of Sriram is expected to bolster the team’s bowling unit, which includes a strong spin attack featuring veteran off-spinner R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shreyas Gopal, and the Afghanistan left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmad. The team also has allrounders Deepak Hooda and Rachin Ravindra, who can bowl offspin.
The 2025 IPL season is set to kick off on March 22, with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. CSK will play most of their games in the first half of the tournament, which will be played in spin-friendly conditions at the Chepauk Stadium.
Sriram’s expertise is expected to be a significant factor in helping CSK’s bowling unit, which underperformed in the 2024 season. His experience of working with international teams will be invaluable in helping the CSK bowlers, particularly the spinners, to improve their skills and prepare them for the challenges of the upcoming season. With his ability to analyze and improve the bowling department, Sriram’s appointment can be seen as a masterstroke by the CSK management, which is looking to win their fourth IPL title.
Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, Stephen Fleming said, "Sriram is an exceptional coach, and we are thrilled to have him on board. His experience and knowledge will be a huge asset to our team, and we’re expecting him to make a significant impact on our bowling department."
Sriram’s appointment is a significant coup for CSK, and he will be expected to work closely with the existing coaching staff to develop a strong bowling unit that can be a winning force in the 2025 IPL season.
