MS Dhoni, Michael Hussey unveil CSK’s new book at grand event in Chennai

CHENNAI: Anything on CSK, the latest identity of Chennai, also TN, has been an unmatched attraction among the fans and the latest is the book — LEO: The Untold Story of CSK — which traces the franchise’s entire IPL journey.

The launch event of the book held in Chennai on Sunday had all of its sheen with former CSK skipper MS Dhoni, in a white tee, and the team’s stalwarts Michael Hussey and Stephen Fleming being among the star participants. Also, a big crowd of friends and family of the book's author, PS Raman was present at the venue.

While PS Raman introduced the book to the audience, India’s oldest living Test cricketer, CD Gopinath, unveiled it and the first copy was presented to Anirudh.

Addressing the gathering, Gopinath said that the sport, which was introduced to India by the Britishers, at one point was outplayed by the football craze among people. However, the entry of the shorter format (T20) completely changed the enthusiasm and evenly poised the equation.

Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth, a guest at the event to felicitate Ravichandran Ashwin, spoke about the off-spinner's return to CSK, describing it as a “circle of life.”

Ashwin, who recently retired as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, was presented with a memento as a token of appreciation. Ashwin in his speech recalled how Dhoni always trusted him and even allowed him to bowl the first over like in the 2011 IPL final when he dismissed Chris Gayle.

LEO: The Untold Story of CSK will be available in three editions: a hardcover book with colour pictures, a paperback version, and an online edition. Leo traces in detail the journey of CSK, including the troubled times when the franchise was suspended for two years. It also features never-before-seen pictures from the CSK archives. The foreword has been written by Australian cricket genius Matthew Hayden.