‘We are still not too sure about our conditions in Chennai; other years we were pretty sure but it’s changed a little bit this year,’ says Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming.
IMAGE: Pacer Tushar Deshpande is CSK’s highest wicket-taker this season. ‘With injury and opportunity he has developed into a quality player.’ Photograph: BCCI
Chennai Super Kings may struggle to capitalise on the home advantage during the IPL play-offs as they are still “not sure” of the conditions at the Chepauk, says head coach Stephen Fleming.
The Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led side became the second team to qualify for the play-offs after they registered a thumping 77-run win over Delhi Capitals here on Saturday.
The four-time champions are likely to finish in the top two. The top four teams will head to Chennai next to play Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator.
“We are still not too sure about our conditions in Chennai; other years we were pretty sure but it’s changed a little bit this year,” Fleming said at the post-match conference.
After losing to Kolkata Knight Riders, Dhoni had also said that they were unable to assess the conditions at Chepauk.
The Yellow Brigade have a penchant of bouncing back after dismal seasons and Fleming feels it is all due to the work that goes behind the scene.
“Each year is different. In the COVID year we felt we have couple of things wrong but we finished really well. Last year, we felt we would be struggling. It just about getting work done a year before, not just giving it up.
“Trying to give guys opportunities, finding pieces of the puzzle, to help us bounce back.”
He cited the example of pacer Tushar Deshpande, who has emerged as CSK’s highest wicket-taker this season.
“Deshpande is good example; with injury and opportunity he has developed into a quality player. It goes back to the auction table as well and the kind of squad we build.”
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