Date:28/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/28/stories/2008022859672200.htm

Sport - Cricket

Wessels to coach Chennai Super Kings

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: Kepler Wessels, the former South African captain, has been hired to coach the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Wessels, who interviewed with the Chennai franchise, the India Cements group, here on Tuesday, has been contracted for a year. He is likely to begin his duties with a camp tentatively scheduled in the middle of March.

Good task master

“We wanted somebody who would keep the focus on cricket, be a good task master, and help us win the tournament, while at the same time impart valuable tips to budding cricketers in the State,” said V.B. Chandrasekhar, assistant coach, Chennai Super Kings.

“With his international experience, he fitted our bill perfectly.”

Richard Pybus, who worked with the Pakistan national team, was considered, but coaching commitments in South Africa ruled him out.

Former India leg-spinner L. Sivaramakrishnan suggested Wessels’s name, said Chandrasekhar.

“He has also worked with Matthew Hayden and Michael Hussey (both bought by the Super Kings), which helps,” said Chandrasekhar.

Badrinath contracted

Meanwhile, the Chennai franchise has contracted Tamil Nadu’s S. Badrinath. The option of buying a left-arm spinner is being considered.

“We are looking to contract another five or six players from the catchments (Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Railways) which will make it a squad of 20,” said Chandrasekhar.

“We are following the Subbiah Pillai (Trophy) and the Railways tournament.”