IPL 2021: “He has been absolutely the heartbeat of CSK, there’s no doubt about it” – Stephen Fleming on MS Dhoni
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MS Dhoni
Chennai Super Kings‘ skipper MS Dhoni played his 200th match against Punjab Kings in the IPL 2021 and also registered his and the team’s first win in the tournament. They outclassed Punjab Kings in both the batting and bowling departments and restricted Punjab to 106 which they chased in 15.4 overs with 6 wickets in hand.
Chennai Super Kings Head Coach Stephen Fleming spoke following the win at a press conference about how playing 200 Matches for the team is a great achievement and also a testament to his commitment towards the franchise.
“He has been absolutely the heartbeat of CSK, there’s no doubt about it. Whether it’s performances, guidance or leadership… you run out of things to say about him,” Fleming said
“His longevity also has to be mentioned and appreciated… to play 200 games and still have a desire to do well and perform well is a testament to his attitude towards the game and the franchise. I think the franchise has grown and MS has grown with it, so it’s a very good relationship and great fun.”
“I’m really impressed with the way we bounced” – Stephen Fleming
CSK’s bowling department destroyed Punjab’s batting line up and restricted them to 106 in 20 overs as Deepak Chahar took 4-13 including a maiden over from his four overs.
Head Coach Fleming was impressed with the pacer and said his ability to swing the ball was one but his control and skillset are also very high. “I’m really impressed with the way he bounced back after the first game. We felt within our group that the conditions transpired against us with a little bit of drizzle and the dew in the last match and we weren’t able to create any opportunities. So, the challenge was laid down to the bowling group on how they are going to operate a little bit better in today’s conditions,” Fleming said/
“Winning the toss. I think it’s important to acknowledge. So, there was some assistance there. And without a doubt, when Deepak gets a little bit of swing and a little bit of movement, he’s one of the finest around. So, his ability to swing the ball was one but his control and also skillset are very high.
“So, the key really is keeping them a little bit simple in his plans and just operating in and around the stumps because he’s so effective when he hits the ball swinging. Today was a great example of the skills he has. And as I say, great bounce back from probably a below-par performance in the first game,” he added.
Going to the Batting department Head Coach was about any changes in the top order for the next game, to which he said, “I am happy with the balance we have got in the team. Ruturaj (Gaikwad) is a fine player. He got a good ball in the first and very difficult conditions today (Friday). It’ wasn’t a 220-run wicket today. It was much different. Ruturaj was a player we showed faith in last year, and his talent came through. Our philosophy when we pick players and put them in the team is to back them.” and signed off.
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