“We respect Rishabh Pant, but won't focus on him alone”- CSK head coach Stephen Fleming

Rishabh Pant has taken the IPL 2019 by storm with his recent knock against the Mumbai Indians (MI). He scored 78 off 27 balls to help Delhi Capitals post 213 in 20 overs, a knock which included 7 fours and as many sixes. Although this wasn’t the fastest fifty in the tournament, Pant’s knock has been praised from all quarters. He was batting at a strike rate of 288.89 and it guided Delhi Capitals to a 37-run win over Mumbai Indians.

However, Chennai Super Kings’  head coach Stephen Fleming has said that the team, led by MS Dhoni, won’t just prepare for Pant’s threat but others too, as Delhi as has impressive batting line-up, which includes big names like Shikhar Dhawan and Shreyas Iyer. The fifth game of the tournament will be played between Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings at the Feroz Shah Kotla in New Delhi.

“You have to respect so many players in the tournament and he (Rishabh Pant) is one of them. But there are others as well. Have to be sure you don’t overplan. He is one of the great young prospects in Indian cricket. But there is Shikhar Dhawan, Colin Ingram, and captain Shreyas Iyer. One thing is to find a weakness, but have to use it well. You must focus on own strength,” Fleming was quoted as saying in News 18.

Talking about the Feroz Shah Kotla pitch

The tournament opener at the Chepauk Stadium went completely in favour of the home team due to the pitch conditions. Asked if the conditions in Feroz Shah Kotla will help CSK as they too rely on spin on the home ground, Fleming said: “The last game was difficult for the batters. The bowlers excelled. The fact that we use spinners is one or our tactics, we have seaming bowlers as well to exploit situations. We will spend time to look at the conditions. Getting the combination right is important.”

Both Delhi and Chennai have won their tournament openers, which promises their face-off to be an exciting contest.

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