Chennai Super Kings (CSK) didn’t really have the greatest of starts to their IPL 2021 campaign. Delhi Capitals (DC) defeated CSK quite comfortably to say the least. CSK fell to a seven-wicket defeat in their opening encounter with the DC, who chased down 189 runs in 18.4 overs. Their bowlers looked clueless against DC’s openers, Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw. Both of them launched an assault to bring up a 138-run opening stand in no time. CSK are all set to play their first five matches at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai. Thus, they need to buck up. CSK head coach Stephen Fleming had a few words to say after his team’s opening loss. He still feels that CSK is still pretty much a Chennai- based side.
“We will learn a lot from being here for another four games. But don’t underestimate how much it takes to change the philosophy of a side. We are very much a Chennai-based side. We saw Mumbai struggle to a degree in Chennai the other night. They have got a challenge on how to change their tactics in Chennai, and our tactics have to be a little bit better with the ball in Mumbai. So, it’s one of the quirks of this competition in this Covid-19 age, and we just have to find a way. It’s going to be high-scoring games in Mumbai, and toss might play a crucial role,” Stephen Fleming said in the post-match press conference. CSK generally prepares their IPL campaign based on their home conditions. They depend a lot on spin, but can’t do it this time as they won’t he having any home advantage, just like all the other teams.
Fleming also acknowledged Raina’s superb performance in their first game. “It’s (Raina’s form) really good, considering the cricket and where he has come from. It was an outstanding innings. We put Moeen Ali up as an aggressor and also used Suresh’s aggressive role to get to play some cricket and find some form. But after playing 2-3 shots, he really got going. It’s a really positive sign for us,” Stephen Fleming added. CSK will now have a five-day break before they take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 16. It remains to be seen whether Stephen Fleming and his team can find a way to play well at the Wankhede Stadium to the best of their potential.