Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey on Saturday said the franchise has got most of its bases covered and is looking to start afresh after a forgettable outing in the last IPL.

In the 2020 edition, the three-time champions finished seventh in the points table and failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in the league’s history.

“I feel we have a very balanced squad that has most of its bases covered and with depth in most areas. The guys are in really good spirits and have been preparing extremely well,” the former Australia middle-order batsman and one of the best finishers of his time was quoted as saying by the CSK website.

According to Hussey, CSK are a very balanced squad, while new recruits Moeen Ali, Krishnappa Gowtham and Robin Uthappa were “excellent additions.”

“I think they are all excellent additions. Moeen is an excellent all-rounder, Robin has a lot of experience and been a quality performer in the past.

“Gowtham has some genuine talent that we can look to develop further,” Hussey emphasised.

CSK picked up six players including Moeen and Gowtham at the February auction after buying top-order batsman Uthappa in a trade with Rajasthan Royals.

Hussey said a good start in the forthcoming IPL would be nice because the players will then relax and play their best cricket with confidence. “A good start would be nice because the players will then relax and hopefully play their best cricket with confidence. Otherwise the pressure can build up on everyone involved,” he said.

Playing a block of matches would help the players settle down and build confidence early in the tournament, Hussey added. “I think playing a block of matches early on will help the players settle down and build confidence from the early stages of the tournament.

“The conditions at the Wankhede Stadium are generally very good for both batsmen and bowlers, so hopefully we can start well and players can also feel good about their games,” he said.

The Super Kings have been training here in Mumbai where they are scheduled to play their first five matches of this edition beginning with the game against Delhi Capitals on April 10, provided the Covid scenario doesn’t worsen in the city.