Michael Hussey picks next face of CSK [Source: AP]CSK are in a major transition phase as MS Dhoni is likely to retire in the near future. Amid this, the Super Kings have identified someone who can be the franchise’s face for the next decade.Chennai Super Kings, 5-time IPL champions, have historically built their success around long-term players like MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, and Ravindra Jadeja. With Raina and Jadeja already gone and Dhoni about to leave, CSK might soon look for a new face.Michael Hussey predicts CSK’s future faceAmid this, CSK coach Michael Hussey had named Kartik Sharma as the ideal future face of the franchise. Talking to Cricbuzz, Hussey wished that Sharma stay with the franchise for the next 5-10 years. "I think he's a great talent and really excited about the future for Kartik. I hope we can see him here at CSK for the next five, ten years. He's got a great attitude towards the game, he trains really well, he's very ambitious, he wants to do well not just in the IPL but he wants to play for India," Hussey said.That’s a big statement. It’s essentially CSK identifying him as part of their next core generation. And the fact that they spent over INR 14 crore on him during the last mini-auction also adds fuel to the narrative.Interestingly, Hussey ignored names like Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Dewald Brevis. Samson ditched Rajasthan Royals captaincy to join CSK, while Gaikwad succeeded MS Dhoni as the team’s skipper.Even Brevis is young and has the potential to lead CSK to glory in the coming years. But Michael Hussey has seen some serious potential in Kartik Sharma, and his latest statement shows that CSK are quite serious about keeping him in the squad long-term.Also Read - Stephen Fleming-CSK To Part Ways? IPL 2026 Set To Draw The Line On MS Dhoni’s UnhappinessKartik Sharma’s IPL journey is not off to a good startHowever, Kartik Sharma hasn’t done much to prove his mettle in IPL 2026. So far, he has scored 58 runs in 5 matches with an average of around 11. Some fans believe the price tag pressure is getting the better of him. Also, CSK, as a whole unit, have struggled to bat as per standards. Hence, Sharma is also struggling massively in his debut year.Normally, such numbers would raise questions, especially given his INR 14.20 crore price tag. But CSK are known for being patient with players, and hence Kartik Sharma will survive the heat for this season.CSK set to face arch-rivals Mumbai IndiansIn a clash of titans, CSK are set to compete against the Mumbai Indians on Saturday at the Chepauk Stadium. This will be their second encounter in the IPL 2026 tournament.In the first game, CSK humiliated MI by bowling them out for 104 runs in a 208-run chase. Akeal Hosein’s spin magic rattled Mumbai as he picked 4 wickets for just 17 runs.With the bat, Sanju Samson had a dream outing at the Wankhede Stadium as he smashed a century to guide CSK to a match-winning total.Now, this upcoming game is crucial for both sides as they are struggling to climb up the points table. While CSK are ranked seventh, MI are seated way down at the ninth spot.Also Read - CSK Vs MI Dream11 Prediction Today Match 44, IPL 2026 Fantasy Cricket Tips, Dream11 Team Today
