Bhubaneswar : The iconic Chennai Super Kings franchise in the IPL is witnessing a momentous leadership revival as former BCCI and ICC chief N Srinivasan steps back into the limelight as chairman of Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited (CSKCL), the team’s owning company. At the age of 80, Srinivasan’s return to cricket administration marks not just a nostalgic homecoming but a strategic move ahead of the IPL 2026 season. More than fifteen years since he played a pivotal role in the team’s inception, Srinivasan’s appointment comes after India Cements — the original owners of CSK — parted ways with their cement business, signaling a new chapter for the franchise. His daughter, Rupa Gurunath, a cricket administrator in her own right, takes the role of full-time director, joining Srinivasan in shaping the franchise’s trajectory .
Srinivasan’s influence on Indian cricket has been profound yet controversial, having led the BCCI during an era marked by both unparalleled growth and the infamous 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal that cast shadows over the sport. Despite stepping down from cricket administration post-scandal, his stewardship as the first-ever ICC chairman and continued engagement through CSK kept him in the sport’s powerful corridors. Now, as CSK seeks to expand its global footprint through ventures like the Joburg and Texas Super Kings and accelerated academy development, the return of this seasoned strategist with Rupa Gurunath promises a blend of legacy and innovation. With managing director K.S. Viswanathan steady at the helm operationally, fans and critics alike watch closely — will Srinivasan’s comeback also herald a graceful farewell for the franchise’s legendary captain MS Dhoni or signal an era of reinvention? .
This leadership shuffle at CSKCL is far more than a mere boardroom change; it is a carefully choreographed dance of power, legacy, and ambition, as the team that has enamored millions prepares to navigate the evolving cricketing landscape with its old guard returned and new aspirations ignited .
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