The reigning champion Chennai Super Kings are now in the middle of the standings in the IPL 2024, and their first home loss of the year has exposed certain weaknesses in the team’s defence.
Over the years, the squad has developed a reputation for playing with a set eleven, but this season has seen a shift in the game plan as players like Rachin Ravindra have been dropped and Daryl Mitchell has been in and out of the lineup along with changes in the order. They’ve also had to deal with a few injury problems, but all of it has forced coach Stephen Fleming to acknowledge that they’re still working on their ideal lineup.
It combines a little form with the search for that [the best XI]. After their game against the Lucknow Super Giants on April 23, Fleming stated, “We’re just trying to find not a quick fix but try and find the right combination.” We’re a little uncomfortable with some spots.
“And who are the players that will contribute most to the tournament’s back end? Mustafizur will be making another change in a few games. All we’re doing is getting ready to play a team that will allow us to win. We’ve been a little uneasy and have sustained injuries. The most important thing is to get guys in position and in shape. And occasionally, that will require some time. Yes, some things have changed; some of them were imposed upon us, and others of them were natural,” he remarked.
Mitchell was sent in at No. 3 today, having been unsuccessfully employed in the middle-order on prior occasions.
“Obviously, there’s a lot of pressure. However, I believe that moving Mitchell up the order will make him more comfortable, and moving him down the order to a hitting role wasn’t the greatest place for him to be. We therefore intend to reinterpret it and elevate him to the position where his greatest global performances have occurred. And that could require some time. However, the majority of the runs must undoubtedly come from the top three. Ruturaj accomplished that tonight, so maybe if he can maintain his form and the other guys can catch up, we’ll be competitive in every game even though we’re not playing at our best,” Fleming remarked.
According to Fleming, their problems have been made worse by the inadequate support for spinners on their home ground. Even though CSK had won their first three games at the MA Chidambaram Stadium this season, Fleming was left in disbelief as the dew factor and a genuine surface rendered CSK’s spinners useless against LSG.
“I believe we had a pitch that was really good; it turned and we won handily. Yes, I would like the pitch and our efforts to work together more. And without hesitation, I would say that since it’s your home field, you should protect it and choose your sides appropriately. You therefore find it quite difficult when it is out of rhythm. You only need to be skilled enough to play what’s in front of you; it’s not quite right now. We are aware that with slightly different circumstances, we may be stronger.
“As you can see, we also have spinners in the side, Theekshana. However, that is negated when there isn’t much going on, and the dew further complicates matters. Although we might hope for it, we must move forward if it is not granted. It is what we are doing, then. However, it does remove a crucial element from our offensive. Pathirana is a weapon, and Fiz has performed well in the sluggish times, but the spin department has been laid off, and I would really like for that to alter,” he continued.
