Chennai Super Kings Cricket Ltd (CSKCL) has cleared the way for former BCCI president N Srinivasan and his daughter, Rupa Gurunath, to join its board, with formal approval expected at the AGM on 27 September. At 80, Srinivasan has kept a low profile since stepping away from day-to-day duties, but he will now return as chair in what insiders describe as an advisory capacity. Gurunath, already running most of the off-field business, becomes a full-time director.
Chief executive Kasi Viswanathan welcomed the move. “See, it’s a great boon for CSK,” he told PTI. “He’s been the best administrator for us and I’m very happy that he’s come back into CSK. He’ll be in an advisory role only because he doesn’t travel much, but we’ll be in contact with him.”
Viswanathan stays on the board alongside former BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel, R Srinivasan, Rakesh Singh, P L Subramanian, V Manickam and E Jayashree. Continuity, not upheaval, appears the theme.
Why now? CSK are fresh from their toughest IPL campaign, finishing last in 2025 with four wins from 14. The side began under Ruturaj Gaikwad before an early injury thrust MS Dhoni back into the captaincy. Off the field, sponsorship and ticket sales held up, yet the cricket faltered—a reminder that brand strength only goes so far without runs and wickets.
Srinivasan’s re-entry signals the franchise’s desire for steadier hands at board level while letting team management focus on rebuilding the squad. Whether that translates into points next April remains the real test, but, for now, CSK have restored a familiar voice in the boardroom—one they hope will balance heritage with the need for fresh ideas.
