A Lot of Hurt, Frustration & Disappointment: CSK Coach Fleming

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) coach Stephen Fleming said that there is a lot of hurt, disappointment and frustration within the camp after the three-time IPL champions crashed to Mumbai Indians (MI) by 10 wickets on Friday.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Fleming added that the loss to Mumbai Indians was symptomatic of the entire season which has gone totally wrong. He added that CSK deserve the bottom place in the points table.

“We were pretty stunned, it was a terrible power-play, to lose wickets so frequently, so quickly; the game was almost over in the power-play. So, it was tough watching. They bowled well, we made them find ways of getting us out,” he added.

Fleming added that after being on 21-5 in the powerplay, the message at the time-out was to scrape through to a decent total, which they did but 114 wasn’t going to be enough.

Also Read: From 43/7, CSK Crawl to 114/9 vs Mumbai Courtesy Curran’s Fifty

CSK made three changes to their lineup on Friday and the youngster Ruturaj Gaikwad opened the innings with Faf du Plessis in place of Shane Watson. Asked about the message to Gaikwad before the game, Fleming said that the main reason to get him in the playing XI was to introduce the leg-spinner Imran Tahir.

"“We’ve had problem with our balance all the way through. Our spin bowling has been little bit ineffective. When you’ve got world’s best T20 spinners, we’ve been keen to introduce him. Today was that day and we had a poor batting display. So, it sums up our tournament really. Everything we’ve tried, it’s been the opposite and today was a great example of that.”" - Stephen Fleming, Coach, Chennai Super Kings

CSK have now suffered eight losses, which has all but ended their playoffs hopes. Fleming said that they had too many holes to fill, which they couldn’t and justifies their place in the points table.

"We've had holes throughout, like losing a player before the start of the season to things like being one over short or losing a couple of wickets too many. That can happen to a team off the pace. We don't have the numbers from individuals, therefore our place in the points table is probably appropriate."

Also Read: IPL Points Table: MI Replace DC At Top Spot After Thumping CSK Win

The only bright spot for the CSK in Fleming’s own admission, in a disappointing season for them, has been the English all-rounder Sam Curran. Curran, who currently stands at the fourth position in the Most Valuable Player list, has been consistently performing for the Super Kings with both bat and the ball.

On Friday, coming in at No 7 at 21/5, Curran scored 52 runs to take his side’s score above 100. Asked about the only bright spot in their 2020 campaign, Fleming said that Curran has been a big positive for them, one for the future, looking at the next auction cycle.

Fleming added that they are not going to give up the remaining three games that easily but also want to give opportunities to players that they are looking towards as the future of this franchise.

(With inputs from IANS)

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