Chennai Super Kings was the best franchise I have played for: Muttiah Muralitharan

Since the inception of the IPL, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is regarded as one of the most successful franchises. The MS Dhoni-led side has clinched the trophy thrice and is undoubtedly one of the most-followed sides in the tournament. Over the years, many legendary players have been a part of the ‘Yellow Army’.

One of those legendary players was Sri Lankan stalwart Muttiah Muralitharan, joined CSK in the very first edition of the IPL after he was purchased for Rs 4.5 crore at the auction. The veteran went on to play three seasons for CSK from 2008 to 2010, where he scalped 40 wickets from 40 matches.

Muralitharan recently revealed his experience after joining Chennai Super Kings. According to him, he enjoyed spending time with the local players from Chennai as they could speak in their own language. Muralitharan’s desire to be a part of the CSK squad originated from his respect towards skipper MS Dhoni.

Muralitharan reminisced his initial years with CSK

“Captaincy is about respecting the captain, whoever it is. We have to go by his decision. I prayed that if I come to the IPL, I have to go to Chennai, as I thought there will be Chennai people in the team,” Muralitharan said on the show Mind Masters by MFORE on Star Sports Tamil.

“So, at that time, there was a good rule, where local players had to be in the team. The first three years was the best of the years because we could speak in our own language. We were around 7-8 people and even VB sir (VB Chandrasekhar) was there who selected us,” he added.

Muralitharan even called CSK the best franchise he has ever played for in his career. The Sri Lankan legend, who also donned Lancashire jersey for 6-7 years, picked the Chennai franchise over the English side.

“I have played even for Lancashire for 6 to 7 years, but I’d say that Chennai Super Kings was the best franchise I have played for,” said Muralitharan, whose career with CSK came to an end when he was picked up by the now-defunct Kochi Tuskers Kerala ahead of the 2011 IPL.