Reports: Brett Lee declines the offer to be CSK’s bowling coach

The eleventh edition of the T20 extravaganza, the Indian Premier League (IPL), is one of the most highly anticipated T20 leagues for 2018. The return of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals in the tournament after a hiatus of two years has further made it very exciting. Ahead of the mega-auction which is scheduled for January 27 and 28 in Bangalore, all the eight franchises will be looking to fill up the vacant spots in their coaching staff.

Reports suggest that CSK had offered former Australian pace legend, Brett Lee, to be the bowling coach for the upcoming edition, which has been declined by the stalwart. According to Mumbai Mirror, the 41-year-old said he wants to continue being involved in TV commentary and not engage in on-field activities.

Lee’s association with Indian T20 league

The right-arm fast bowler represented Australia in 332 international matches in which he grabbed a tally of 718 wickets. As far as his association with the IPL is concerned, he played for the two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders and later also worked for them as their bowling mentor in 2013.

During the first edition of the Tamil Nadu Premier League in 2016, Lee was chosen as the mentor and brand ambassador of Ruby Kanchi Warriors. During the second edition of the tournament that is exclusive only to players from Tamil Nadu, Lee worked as a commentator for star sports. He was also a part of Karnataka Premier League (KPL) 2017 commentary panel.

Stephen Fleming’s CSK return as the coach

Reports also add that CSK’s former opener Stephen Fleming will be the head coach of the franchise, while Australia great Michael Hussey in all likeliness will be the batting coach. Earlier it was reported that CSK is sure to retain MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina from the set of 5 players which each team is allowed to retain.

CSK’s return will only add to the growing frenzy of the tournament since it is one of the most followed teams because of Dhoni as its captain. IPL 11 will be played in April and May 2018.