At more than 80 years old, N. Srinivasan has made a dramatic return to cricket administration, stepping back into the spotlight as chairman of Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited (CSKCL), the ownership group of the Chennai Super Kings. His comeback not only restores his influence at one of the most successful IPL franchises but also hints at a broader shift in the cricket administration landscape.
Srinivasan, a former BCCI president and ex-ICC chairman, has long been one of the most powerful figures in Indian cricket. His strategic vision helped establish CSK as a dominant force in the IPL since its inception in 2008. From securing MS Dhoni as the team’s captain to shaping CSK’s steady, winning culture, Srinivasan’s legacy within the franchise is undeniable. His return comes at a critical moment—CSK are reeling from their worst-ever IPL campaign in 2025, finishing at the bottom of the table with just four wins in 14 matches.
The timing of his re-entry is hardly coincidental. After a decade away from direct cricket administration due to conflict-of-interest controversies and legal battles, Srinivasan is back with renewed focus. While his health means he may limit travel, he is expected to remain deeply involved in the franchise’s day-to-day strategies, offering guidance from Chennai. CSK insiders have already described his presence as a “boon” for the franchise, especially as it prepares for a reset across formats and global leagues.
Srinivasan’s comeback also carries symbolic weight. It reflects the willingness of CSK’s board to lean once more on the man who built the franchise’s foundation. His daughter, Rupa Gurunath, has also been reinstated as a director, further cementing the family’s return to the administrative fold. Together, they bring continuity, institutional memory, and renewed control over the franchise’s operations.
The role extends beyond the IPL. Under Srinivasan’s watch, CSK has expanded into other leagues, including South Africa’s SA20 and Major League Cricket in the USA. His return as chairman signals that the franchise is doubling down on global ambitions, positioning itself as not just an IPL team but a multi-league cricketing empire. This global strategy, coupled with his domestic influence, ensures CSK remains one of the most professionally run cricket entities in the sport.
Still, his re-emergence will not be without scrutiny. Srinivasan’s tenure in cricket politics was defined by both success and controversy. His exit from the BCCI in 2014 followed Supreme Court intervention during the IPL spot-fixing scandal. For critics, his return represents unfinished business from a chequered past. For supporters, it is the restoration of a proven leader at a time when CSK desperately needs fresh direction.
Ultimately, Srinivasan’s appointment is more than ceremonial. It’s a statement of intent. Chennai Super Kings are seeking to shake off their disastrous IPL 2025 campaign and rebuild for the future. By turning back to their most seasoned administrator, the franchise is betting that experience, influence, and resilience can engineer yet another comeback. At his age, Srinivasan isn’t returning to relive old glories—he’s back to ensure CSK can write new ones.
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