IPL 2021: Need to lift our standards when we take on Mumbai Indians, says CSK coach Stephen Fleming

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) coach Stephen Fleming believes that his players will need to lift their standard when they take on defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI), in the opening encounter of the second half of IPL 2021. Fleming termed this opinion on the basis of the Mumbai-based franchise’s enhanced performances when they take on CSK. The former New Zealand cricketer believes that the second half of IPL 2021 will mark a fresh start for both teams, and termed the scenario as a unique challenge.

“We finished the first half of phase 1 with a loss where Pollard played one of the great IPL innings. Mumbai do play well against us, so we got to keep lifting our standards. From a coaching point of view, you want that game underway so that you know what to work on and just exactly where the team’s at. So, we’re looking forward to it as always and it’s a good encounter,” said Fleming in an interaction with CSK TV.

“We just want to start well again but also remembering the work that it took to get a bit of form and to get those wins. It’s all about the mindset, people coming together and almost treating it like a fresh start for another tournament,” he added.

“There are guys coming in from the CPL (Caribbean Premier League) and international cricket and that’s the beauty of the IPL, they come with great experience and tie them all together. I’m really happy with the work that is being done here. I’m looking forward to it. The style of play, the way the new players adjusted into the side and then getting a game plan that suits the players and the balance that we had. So, that was by design… which is always nice when it comes off. The way we batted and the aggressive nature in which we batted and took the opposition on and that was something that was lacking in the first half in Dubai last time. The confidence through that was good and the all-round balance was good to see,” concluded Fleming.

Ravindra Jadeja should bat ahead of MS Dhoni, says Sanjay Manjrekar

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes that all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja should be batting ahead of veteran wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni, in the CSK setup for the UAE leg of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. Jadeja was seen batting at no. 6 in the first phase of the prestigious tournament, with Dhoni the next batsman at no.7. Manjrekar has urged the team management to maintain the same outlook with regard to the batting order.

“Jadeja should bat ahead of MS Dhoni. I think so (CSK will do well) because their approach has changed and Moeen Ali and Sam Curran have become impact players so they should perform better than the last time we saw them in UAE,” said the former Indian cricketer in an interaction with Cricinfo.

Manjrekar further believes that CSK should look to deploy Josh Hazlewood and Lungi Ngidi in the bowling department, with the experience of Imran Tahir making his inclusion a good move.

“I think Moeen Ali, they should get both their fast bowlers in Hazlewood and Lungi Ngidi. And if there is a little bit of turn, Imran Tahir. Dhoni-led CSK had recorded their worst-ever finish in the IPL last season. Since then, CSK have managed to bounce back quite remarkably as Dhoni’s men are placed second in the current league standings,” he added.