Former champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are not having the best of the season so far, as they have lost three of the four matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL), this season. Consequently, it has also irked CSK head coach Stephen Fleming, especially on questions being asked about the team's batting order.
undefined
While CSK skipper MS Dhoni has failed to guide his team to a win in the past three matches, questions have been raised on his batting position, which happens to be very late. Also, questions were asked on all-rounder Kedar Jadhav's batting spot, which happens to be ahead of Dhoni. As a result, Fleming has been left annoyed with it.
undefined
“Really? It is a question? He (Jadhav) is our number four. Dhoni, primarily, is a middle to back-end player. Kedar Jadhav is our number four, he plays a dual role. If we get off to a good start, he might move down and let Dhoni up. If you lose early wickets, then your number four batsman goes in," Fleming fumed at reporters during a press meet.
undefined
“Both Watson and Jadhav are looking for substantial contributions. Shane can light the fuse at any stage, and with Kedhar, it is the same," Fleming added.
undefined
Fleming admitted that their middle-order is facing issues, which lacks stability. Besides, he also said that although the pair of Dhoni and Jadeja are experienced enough to pull things off towards the end, they take time to get settled.
undefined
“We were in trouble through the middle (part of the innings) and MS (Dhoni) and Jaddu had to take time. They got us pretty close, but they probably would want to be a little bit more productive in the middle. Obviously, when you have to deal with Rashid Khan’s overs, it is a great challenge as well," Fleming asserted.
undefined
"Jaddu’s momentum towards the end was encouraging. It’s just our fourth game, so it’s pretty early in our cycle of form, but there is no doubt there is pressure and they will be feeling it more than what I am talking about," Fleming further quoted.
undefined
Fleming, meanwhile, expressed satisfaction at how the team steered towards the end. “The last four overs, in particular, they were very good and we were patchy. And, we just lacked a little bit of confidence in the field. So, there’s little things all around, there’s probably a dozen runs, at least, that we gave up just with the overthrows or bad movement," he continued.
undefined
"In a tight competition, that’s going to cost us and we know that. We’ve just got to get it right, got to get a bit of confidence and a bit of game rhythm and guys in form - and that can change pretty quickly. But also, if you don’t address them, then we’ll just slide away,” he concluded.
undefined