One of Chennai Super Kings’ weak components from last year’s IPL was not having an off-spinner who could control the proceedings in the middle-overs, in the absence of Harbhajan Singh. While the franchise not only got one off-spinner during the Auction, they got two - in the form of Moeen Ali and Krishnappa Gowtham. 

The all-rounder also hailed skipper MS Dhoni for his influence, adding that he is a ‘bowler's captain', which would ultimately allow the players to express themselves. 

“It makes a big difference as it helps a player to express himself. They talk to the player if anything specific is needed or if he’s working on something. When these things are taken care of, it’s much easier for a player to go out and give his best.”

In the past editions of the tournament, CSK have made it to the playoff stage barring the one odd season last year, where they finished outside the top four spots, with a terrible seventh-place finish. However, Gowtham insisted that CSK’s clarity in thought process and organised approach differentiates them from the other franchises. 

“The CSK management understands cricket owing to its long association with the game which again reflects in its approach to players – the comforting words and confidence given when things aren’t going right,” he concluded.