There are a lot of successful and consistent franchises in the history of the IPL, CSK being one. The team, under iconic leadership by MS Dhoni, has won the IPL title five times, made it to the finals on ten occasions, and reached the playoffs in 12 of the 15 seasons. Such consistent performance has earned CSK an unparalleled fan following worldwide.

Ownership and Management Setup

The franchise was initially owned by India Cements for approximately Rs 360 crore (USD 91 million); however, due to conflict of interest issues, the ownership was shifted to a separate entity called Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited (CSKCL) in December 2014. N. Srinivasan, former ICC Chairman and BCCI President, is the principal figure behind the ownership.

The day-to-day operations and team management are overseen by Kasi Vishwanath, the current CEO of CSKCL. He is frequently seen representing the team during matches and media interactions. CSKCL also owns other cricket franchises, including Joburg Super Kings (SA20) and Texas Super Kings (MLC).

Current Leadership and Team Details

Team Name: Chennai Super Kings
Captain: Ruturaj Gaikwad
Head Coach: Stephen Fleming
Net Worth (2024): $231 million
Ownership Since: 2014

CSK’s brand value has been driven by its performances and undergoing tremendous popularity, the jerseys and other merchandise bearing the CSK brand are sold from one corner of the country to another. The team has cemented its market position through sponsorships from big and reputed brands such as TVS Eurogrip, Gulf Oil, and India Cements.

Business Ventures and Brand Value

CSK is not just a cricket team; it is a strong commercial brand. Besides IPL, the franchise also earns majorly from merchandise sales and partnerships. The team also operates a cricket academy in Chennai and employs it to nurture young talent and promote grassroots cricket.

Their strategic investments in global T20 leagues have also elevated their value further. In 2024, according to reports, CSK tops all the IPL franchises in valuation, valued at $231 million with an annual increment of 9 percent.

The years of Achievement

Whether under India Cements or CSKCL, CSK ends up upholding some good standards. CSK has two IPL titles and five times runner-up finishes from 2008 to 2014. They bagged three more titles post-2014, with the one in 2018 marking their return from a 2-year ban, after winning a spot-fixing scandal in 2013 formally included.

Controversies and Comeback

There were several controversies, most notably in 2013, when Gurunath Meiyappan, the topmost official known with the franchise, was identified for being involved in betting. As a consequence, the franchise was banned for two seasons - 2016 and 2017 - but the franchise soared again, winning in 2018 and regaining trust.

FAQs

Q. Who currently owns CSK?
A. CSK is owned by Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited, managed by Kasi Vishwanath.

Q. Who was the previous owner?
A. Previously, CSK was owned by India Cements, led by N. Srinivasan.

Q. What controversies has CSK faced?
A. The team was suspended for two years due to a spot-fixing scandal in 2013, involving a top official.