IPL 2018: Michael Hussey appointed batting coach of Chennai Super Kings

The Chennai Super Kings seem to be making a return to the IPL in style. After retaining MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja, the crux of their erstwhile successful team, the side have appointed Michael Hussey as their batting coach for the 11th edition of the IPL.

The upcoming season of the T20 league is witnessing a heavy influx of Australian cricketers as coaches: Hussey's former teammates Ricky Ponting and Brad Hodge will be coaching the Delhi Daredevils and Kings XI Punjab respectively.

"I am really excited about returning to the Chennai Super Kings in a coaching capacity and working with the players to help them get the best out of themselves and also help to bring success to this great franchise," Hussey said.

The Chennai Super Kings welcomed him back with a tweet, featuring Hussey with his trademark grin wearing a red army cap.

Welcome back, Huss! Our summer is gonna be even more awesomesauce with this gentleman from Down Under back in the Yellow Brigade. This time, as the Batting Coach! #ReturnOfTheSuperKings #SummerIsComing #WhistlePodu ??? pic.twitter.com/7HjzWxogSj

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) January 6, 2018

An asset in the T20 format due to his versatile batting style, Hussey was a regular fixture in the league from 2008 to 2015 (barring the second season). He was part of the Chennai Super Kings franchise as a player from 2008 until 2013, and again in 2015. He was also with the Mumbai Indians for one season in 2014.

A steady batsman at the top of the order, he played 59 IPL games, collecting 1977 runs at an average of 38.76, with one hundred and 15 fifties.

MS Dhoni, who returned to the franchise after playing with the Rising Pune Supergiant for two years, is likely to be the captain once again, with Stephen Fleming reprising his role as the head coach.