Who is the Father of CSK? The Legacy of N. Srinivasan in Building Chennai Super Kings
1. Introduction: The Rise of a Legacy IPL Franchise
When you talk about the most successful teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) inevitably tops the list. With multiple IPL titles, a passionate fanbase, and iconic players like MS Dhoni, the franchise has built a rich legacy. However, behind this success lies a name not always in the limelight but pivotal to CSK’s foundation and growth — Narayanaswami Srinivasan, often referred to as the Father of CSK. His strategic leadership, financial backing, and deep involvement in cricket administration helped shape CSK into the powerhouse it is today.
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2. Who is N. Srinivasan? A Brief Introduction
N. Srinivasan, full name Narayanaswami Srinivasan, is an Indian industrialist and cricket administrator. He is the Managing Director of India Cements, the company that owns the Chennai Super Kings franchise through its subsidiary Chennai Super Kings Cricket Ltd.
Apart from his role in CSK, Srinivasan also held powerful positions in Indian and global cricket. He has served as:
• President of the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India)
• Chairman of the ICC (International Cricket Council)
These roles not only reflect his stature in world cricket but also highlight the influence he wielded during a transformative era in the game.
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3. Founding of Chennai Super Kings: The India Cements Connection
Chennai Super Kings was established in 2008 during the inaugural edition of the IPL. India Cements, under the leadership of N. Srinivasan, won the bid for the Chennai-based franchise. Though BCCI regulations initially prohibited board members from owning IPL teams, India Cements owned CSK through a “trustee” model.
Srinivasan’s vision was clear: create a franchise that reflects consistency, discipline, and excellence. He ensured CSK had a solid structure from day one—both on and off the field.
4. Role in Building a Champion Team
N. Srinivasan’s biggest contribution was assembling a champion unit, starting with the decision to rope in Mahendra Singh Dhoni as captain in 2008. Many reports suggest that Srinivasan personally insisted on signing Dhoni despite stiff competition from other franchises.
His strategy was to combine senior international stars with reliable Indian players, building a team culture that valued loyalty and experience. Players like:
• Suresh Raina
• Ravichandran Ashwin
• Michael Hussey
• Dwayne Bravo
…stayed with CSK for years, creating a sense of family within the squad.
5. Administrative Influence in Indian Cricket
As BCCI President, Srinivasan was instrumental in shaping policies that favored franchise cricket, and he was a strong supporter of the IPL. His dual role as a cricket administrator and franchise owner was controversial but also strategic. His influence helped CSK gain commercial strength, player retention advantages, and infrastructural benefits such as early access to MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Even during turbulent phases, like CSK’s suspension (2016-17), Srinivasan ensured the franchise remained intact and returned stronger.
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6. Challenges and Controversies
While Srinivasan is credited with CSK’s success, his journey hasn’t been without challenges. In 2013, CSK was dragged into the IPL spot-fixing and betting controversy, leading to a two-year suspension. His son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan was accused of betting, and Srinivasan faced severe criticism.
Despite these setbacks, Srinivasan managed to keep the brand of CSK alive. He continued supporting the franchise from behind the scenes and worked towards its comeback in 2018 — which eventually turned out to be a title-winning return.
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7. CSK’s 2018 Comeback: A Personal Victory
CSK’s return in 2018 was more than just a sporting story—it was a redemption arc for N. Srinivasan. Under the same leadership group—Dhoni, Fleming, and backed by Srinivasan—the team clinched their third IPL title.
Srinivasan described the win as an emotional moment, stating it was “vindication” for the faith he had kept in the core team and leadership even after two years of absence. It showed how a stable, family-like culture at CSK could overcome controversies and setbacks.
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8. Srinivasan’s Vision Beyond Cricket
Apart from cricket, Srinivasan has made contributions in the fields of:
• Corporate leadership (India Cements)
• Tennis and golf administration
• Social welfare programs through India Cements Foundation
His long-term vision has always been to uplift sports in South India and create a sustainable ecosystem around teams like CSK.
9. Why is He Called the Father of CSK?
Srinivasan is called the Father of CSK for several reasons:
• He founded the franchise and laid its foundation.
• He backed key players like MS Dhoni.
• He maintained loyalty to players and staff, ensuring stability.
• He protected the franchise during controversies.
• He played a pivotal role in CSK’s resurgence and success.
His influence is deep-rooted in CSK’s history, values, and functioning, which makes the title absolutely fitting.
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10. Conclusion: A Silent Architect of Greatness
While names like Dhoni, Raina, and Bravo dominate the headlines, N. Srinivasan remains the silent architect of CSK’s success. His unwavering support, strategic decisions, and passion for cricket helped CSK become more than just a team — it became a brand, an emotion, and a legacy.
Whether celebrated or criticized, his role in Indian cricket and CSK’s journey is undeniable. And that’s why N. Srinivasan truly deserves to be called the Father of Chennai Super Kings.
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Tags: N. Srinivasan, Father of CSK, Chennai Super Kings, CSK History, CSK Owner, IPL 2025, CrickTab.com
