 | « Back to article | Print this article |
Chennai Super Kings’ Michael Hussey is happy to be back in the fold and the 39-year-old Australian is open to performing any role for the two-time IPL champions in the upcoming edition.
"I have not really thought about it (his role) too much. I need to sit down and have a chat with MS (captain Dhoni) and Stephen Fleming (coach) about what role they want me to play. At this age I just want to play whatever role that I can help the team, whether at the top or middle or helping the young guys on the field," said Hussey on Wednesday.
Hussey arrived in Chennai on Wednesday for the IPL beginning April 8.
- IPL 8 Squads: Chennai Super Kings
Hussey last played for Australia in 2013, is still as fit as a fiddle.
"I am still training, having been playing in the Big Bash back home. I am fresh and still training with the hope of doing well here. I have had a fantastic run in IPL and I feel happy to be back in the team," said Hussey, who was released by the Mumbai Indians.
Dwayne Bravo, who was not part of the West Indies World Cup squad alongside Mumbai's Kieron Pollard, is another key player for Super Kings. Hussey feels the break for Bravo will help the team and same in Pollard's case.
"Definitely, they would be fresh and will be really wanting to do well. I think the guys are professional enough to know what they need to do. So, Bravo would ready himself to play well. MS and some others guys have been playing more cricket. They would probably know what they need to do in the coming season," said Hussey.
Talking about the recently concluded World Cup, Hussey said he found his Super Kings teammate Ravindra Jadeja 'raw' in the tournament but his form is not a worry ahead of IPL.
"I think he was quite raw in the World Cup. It is not good easy coming in at that position (seven) and it is a very difficult position to bat on. I think he has got so much talent. Once he gets his confidence up he would be alright. To me, he is a great player."
About India and Super Kings captain Dhoni, Hussey said: "Dhoni has got a great understanding of the game. Great understanding of the people. He is a very consistent character. If things are going really well he does not get too excited and if things are getting bad, he does not get bogged down too much. He is a very consistent personality. I think it is very important for a captain."
How does he rate Australia's World Cup winning performance?
"I think Australia had a fantastic squad with so much balance and depth and so many great match winners. It was all about confidence and dealing with extra pressure to go after positive results. India did it in 2011 and Australia did it this year.
"But you cannot really compare (with Australian teams of the past). But the current team is a great team, no question. As I said the balance and depth in the team mattered most and the great match winners in the squad. From Australian point of view it was great to watch," Hussey added.
Image: Chennai Super Kings player Michael Hussey during a practice session for the upcoming IPL matches at MAC Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday
Photograph: R Senthil Kumar/PTI