Former Indian cricketer Abhinav Mukund recently shared a big statement regarding the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise in an interview with Doordarshan amid the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The former player confirmed that CSK has a very unique way of motivating their players, which they have been adopting since the beginning of the tournament.
Chennai Super Kings is considered one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, having won 5 IPL titles so far and reaching the finals 10 times out of 18 editions. This record reflects their years of dominance in the league. According to Mukund, the team follows a special tradition of doubling any BCCI prize money whether the team wins or loses, a practice that has been in place since the early days of the franchise.
How does CSK motivate its players?
CSK is one of those teams that really supports its players and coaching staff. The franchise rarely makes changes unless absolutely necessary and consistently supports its players, captain and coaching staff even after poor performances. This approach explains why Chennai Super Kings have always bounced back in the league after setbacks or criticism, be it in the 2021 season or in 2023 – they have proved the critics wrong through consistent performances.
Mukund explained about this tradition in detail in his interview:
“One thing that makes the players feel lighter is the long-standing tradition of CSK. Whether we are losing or winning, they double the prize money given by the BCCI and this has been Chennai’s tradition from day one. I think the credit for this should also go to the management. At that time, they had clearly told us that whatever prize money the BCCI is giving, they will double it. This is more than any current or former CSK player. Ask, and they’ll say, ‘It’s a tradition they follow,’ so at the time, it felt like a big deal.”
This not only helps the players financially but also gives them the confidence that even if they fail, the team believes in them. This is also one of the reasons why Chennai Super Kings has maintained a stable team; They trust their players, which ensures continuity and stability of the team. Having mentors like MS Dhoni, Steven Fleming and Mike Hussey in the team creates a productive environment where players can seek guidance at any time.
CSK philosophy: faith, counsel and performance
Many former and current players have appreciated this approach. Knowing that the franchise has your back takes the pressure off the field, allowing players to perform without fear of immediate consequences. This culture of trust and support has become the hallmark of CSK, setting them apart from other teams who often react hastily to poor performances by making team changes.
The difference for Chennai Super Kings lies in its long-term approach. Where other franchises focus on short-term results, the Super Kings focus on long-term results.
This philosophy also benefits young players entering the IPL. The guidance of seasoned veterans, coupled with the assurance of support from the management, creates an environment where emerging talent can flourish. Players are motivated to take risks, try something new, and move forward without worrying about the consequences of a single failure. Such an environment not only improves individual performance but also strengthens the overall team dynamics.
Over the years, this culture of support has helped the Yellow Army weather challenging seasons and maintain a high level of sustainability. Fans have also praised the franchise not only for their wins but also for the way they treat their players and build a cohesive team. It is this balance of performance, guidance and belief that has kept the Kings at the top of the IPL hierarchy season after season.
Also read: Former England captain calls CSK useless without MS Dhoni!