IPL 2018: CSK Appoint Laxmipathy Balaji As Bowling Coach

Former India pacer, Laxmipathy Balaji, has been appointed as the bowling coach of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the upcoming season of Indian Premier League (IPL). Balaji has earlier represented the franchise from 2008 to 2011 as well.

Balaji, who is currently the bowling coach of Tamil Nadu Ranji Trophy team, replaced Wasim Akram as the bowling coach of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise in the previous season and this will be the second time he will be coaching an IPL team.

Balaji played a total of 73 IPL games in which he scalped 76 wickets. He announced his retirement from the game last year.

Coming to his international career, Balaji played a total of eight Tests and 30 ODIs from 2003 to 2009. He also played five T20Is.

Interestingly, he made a surprising comeback to the team for the home New Zealand T20I series and went on to play the T20I World Cup as well. Post that, he was never picked in the national team again. He played his last first-class and List A game in 2015. His last T20 appearance came in 2014 in an IPL game for Kings XI Punjab.

Meanwhile, CSK have decided to retain their core group. They have once again appointed Stephen Fleming as their Head Coach. Fleming was previously the Head Coach of the side and went onto coach Rising Pune Supergiant during the two years when the franchise was banned. Again, he is all set to continue his union with MS Dhoni, who was one of the three players along with Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja to be retained by the franchise.

CSK have also roped Michael Hussey as their batting coach. Hussey has earlier been part of the franchise in the past.

CSK is making a comeback to IPL after serving a ban for two years. Along with them, Rajasthan Royals will also make a comeback. Both the franchises were banned for two years and missed IPL 2016 and 2017.

They were replaced by Gujarat Lions and Rising Pune Supergiant, who made way for the comeback franchises after playing two seasons.

CSK will be going into the auction with a purse of Rs 47 Crore as they spent a total of Rs 33 Crores on the IPL retention day.

Follow more news about IPL 2018 here.

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