Chennai Super Kings head coach, Stephen Fleming, has praised the team’s captain, MS Dhoni, for his quickfire cameo in their recent match against Delhi Capitals, where he scored 20 runs off just nine balls. Fleming revealed that Dhoni is training himself to bat in the last three overs of the match, acknowledging that the former Indian captain is not as mobile between the wickets, but is concentrating on his power-hitting abilities.
This new approach, coupled with the team’s more aggressive style this season, has helped CSK record seven wins and four defeats in 12 matches, positioning them second in the points table with 15 points. The franchise faces Kolkata Knight Riders in their second-last match of the league phase, hoping to extend their winning form and qualify for the playoffs.
CSK secured a 27-run victory against Delhi Capitals in their most recent match, where they defended a target of 168 runs, restricting the opposition to 140/8 in 20 overs, with Matheesha Pathirana taking three wickets and Deepak Chahar bagging two. DC’s Rilee Roussouw played a knock of 35 runs off 37 balls. CSK’s Shivam Dube smacked 25 runs off 12 balls, while Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ambati Rayudu played key knocks, slamming 24 off 18 deliveries and 23 off 17 balls, respectively. For DC’s bowling department, Mitch March scalped three wickets, and Axar Patel took two.
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Speaking after the match, Fleming revealed that CSK has adopted a new approach this season, with batters playing risky shots, resulting in more aggressive and higher-scoring innings. He said, “It’s a reflection of the way games now are played, the players play with more high risks, and the way you compose an innings is a little bit different, so I’m happy with the cameos if it keeps pushing you above par.”
CSK’s batting line-up has depth, allowing Dhoni to concentrate on power-hitting and play in the last three overs of the match. Despite losing seven wickets, the aggressive approach from the team kept them ahead of the game, with CSK recording a total of 167 runs in 20 overs.
As CSK prepares to face Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday, the team is hoping to maintain its current form and secure a spot in the playoffs. With Dhoni leading from the front and Fleming’s guidance, CSK is positioned as a strong contender to win the IPL 2023.