The Other Teams Don't Do That: Harbhajan Singh Explains Why CSK's Culture Is Different From Other IPL Teams

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh revealed the policies of Chennai Super Kings regarding the travelling and accommodation of players’ family members. As the IPL is a heavily scheduled tournament that stretches for more than two months.

During that period, players tend to bring their partners or spouses along with their kids throughout the tournament every year. The families of the players usually stay along with them in the same hotel room and travel either with the team travel facilities or on their own expenses.

I observed a new culture when I joined CSK: Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan, who played 163 IPL matches for Mumbai Indians, CSK and Kolkata Knight Riders in the last 14 seasons, explained how CSK’s policies for their players are exceptional to other franchises.

“I observed a new culture when I joined CSK. Over there, the franchise takes care of the tickets, travel, stay, food and everything for the player’s family,” Harbhajan told Sportskeeda.

“Not just for one person, but even if 10 people from your family want to come, the franchise is ready to bear the expenses in that case too. The other teams don’t do that. In other teams, even if you have your partner with you, then you would have to pay for her.

“A player gets attached to the franchise when he sees that they are doing so much for him and his family,” he added. 

It was a completely different environment at CSK: Harbhajan Singh

After spending a decade with Mumbai Indians in the lucrative league, Harbhajan joined MS Dhoni-led CSK in 2018 and spent three seasons with the Yellow Army before moving to KKR in 2021. The former Indian player said the environment in CSK was completely different as it looked like everyone was on holiday mode.

“We had around 7-8 families with us when I was playing with them. There were a lot of kids too. So, it never felt like the IPL was going on as it felt like a picnic. It was a completely different environment.

“While other teams also have such an environment, but not to this extent. Hats off to CSK for doing all these little things for the families of players,” Harbhajan said. 

CSK have lifted the IPL trophy four times (2010, 2011, 2018 & 2021) and they are just one title short of their rivals Mumbai Indians to become the most successful franchise in the IPL.

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