CSK are a bit muddled in the absence of Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu: Stephen Fleming

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have not been in their best touch, especially with their batting set-up in their previous two IPL 2020 games. The MS Dhoni-led side suffered its second consecutive defeat on Friday after losing against Delhi Capitals. While chasing a target of 176, openers Shane Watson and Murali Vijay failed yet again to provide CSK with a steady start.

In-form Faf du Plessis tried to keep the scoreboard moving but failed to notch up the run-rate. Skipper Dhoni, who was criticised for batting at No.7 during their loss to Rajasthan Royals, walked in at No.6 but the team needed 75 in just 24 balls when he started. CSK eventually managed to amass only 131 runs in their stipulated 20 overs, handing a 44-run victory to DC.

We’re trying to find a balance: Stephen Fleming

After their thumping defeat, CSK coach Stephen Fleming conceded that the absence of Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu has made their batting set-up a “a bit muddled” in the first week of the tournament.

“We are missing some key players and we’re trying to find a balance that makes us competitive. Our batting line-up, without Rayudu and Raina, we are trying to find a way or a combination on how to use players. We give players opportunities early on so we know exactly what we have got as the tournament goes on,” Fleming said as quoted by India Today.

“We have always got too many batting options. But we are a little bit muddled. So we need to be a little clearer with what we’re doing,” he added.

CSK, after losing against DC, will get a much-needed 6-day break before resuming their IPL 2020 voyage. Fleming also said that the team will try to rectify their flaws and review their performance in that period.

Fleming also said that the spin department has been an area of concern with Piyush Chawla and Ravindra Jadeja leaking plenty of runs against DC and RR. The head coach highlighted that the team is struggling to find a ‘right combination’ of their Playing XI.

“At the moment, as players and management searching for the right combination. We are too batter heavy if we play the extra batsman, we are too bowler heavy if we play the extra bowler. We are struggling a little bit to find our momentum but that will come with a bit of time off an experience of these 3 games,” said Fleming.