It was a terrible powerplay, we found ways to get out: Stephen Fleming

As the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League is coming closer to the business end, it has exposed the major chinks in Chennai Super Kings’ armour. The Daddies Army has been struggling to remain relevant in the race against the best.

The latest match against Mumbai Indians at Sharjah Cricket Stadium debunked every department of the yellow outfit. Invited to bat first, the CSK openers had a poor day in the office. The lethal bowling duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult decimated Chennai’s top-order in the first three overs itself. Having lost five wickets in the powerplay, everything appeared to look bleak for the Kings. However, the formidable young gun Sam Curran helped the team post a respectable target of 115 runs.

But as the match progressed, the four-time title-contenders hammered the Chennai bowling attack. They comfortably hunt down the meagre target. The opening pair of Quinton De Kock and Ishan Kishan scored powerful 46* and 68* respectively. With this incredible win, Mumbai Indians are placed at the top of the points table. Whereas the Chennai-based outfit continues to feature at the rare bottom of the table.

We found ways to get out: Stephen Fleming

Expressing anguishment over the abysmal rendition by MS Dhoni and co, head coach Stephen Fleming appeared to be infuriated in the post-match press conference.

“We are pretty stunned, really. It was a terrible powerplay. To lose wickets so frequently, so quickly, the game was almost over in that powerplay. It was tough watching, obviously, we had a couple of young guys who had an opportunity, which didn’t work out,” quipped Fleming.

Also, the former New Zealand captain heaped praises on the lethal Mumbai bowling attack. “They bowled well, we nicked it and found ways to get out. It was tough, it was a big game for us. The message at the time out was just to scrap and get as many runs as we can. Our bowling was strong this game, in terms of overseas, and just to create enough momentum or runs to give us half a chance but there wasn’t to be.”

On being asked why CSK played Ruturaj Gaikwad for Shane Watson, the former Kiwi captain responded that the intention was to add potency to the spin-bowling attack by including Imran Tahir. Moreover, the veteran Kiwi also opened up about the miserable ‘balance’ of the yellow squad.

“The reason why he is there was to introduce Tahir. We have had a problem with team balance all the way through. Our spin bowling has been a little bit ineffective, so when we have got one of the best T20 spinners, we have been keen to introduce him.”

With “experience over youth’ philosophy not working in the team’s favour anymore, the management needs to scratch their heads in the upcoming auction for the 14th IPL edition.