Our good form will continue: Fleming

Stephen Fleming

The Chennai Super Kings batted beautifully against the listless Kings XI Punjab as Hussey and Vijay took the Super Kings to a comprehensive ten-wicket victory. Royal Challengers Bangalore, on the other hand, outplayed Kolkata Knight Riders as Gayle’s destructive 92* took the Royal Challengers to a convincing eight-wicket win. With that win, Royal Challengers have won three out of four games, while Chennai Super Kings have just won one match out off two matches.

Chennai Super Kings, who did not have a good start at home, are set to take on the Royal Challengers Bangalore at Chennai. Chennai Super Kings Coach Stephen Fleming, however, is confident of good show from his boys. “There is excellent rivalry between the two sides and certainly (we) respect the way they have started.”

Chennai Super Kings key protagonist Albie Morkel would not be featuring in the playing XI immediately as he has just recovered from an ankle injury. Also, Chris Morris bowled brilliantly against Kings XI Punjab, and therefore, Dhoni would stick with the same combination that defeated the Kings XI Punjab.

“We had a good practice with him today, but to be honest the way the team played in the last match it is difficult to make a change. We will have a good chat after training and make sure that there are no injuries today but it will be hard for him to push his way up after the way the guys played,” said Fleming.

It has been a mixed start to the season for Chennai – losing to Mumbai Indians at home and then beating Kings XI Punjab by ten wickets. “We started poorly so we have to come to grips with the conditions. We certainly did not bat well last time here,” said Fleming. “(In the second game) we batted very well and responded to self-criticism from me, and (Murali) Vijay and (Michael) Hussey did very well. And that is going to continue.”

When asked about the fact that Ashwin has dismissed Gayle three times, he said, “It depends on how you look at it. I would say that they (Gayle and Kohli) are due to get a good score in Chennai. Though I would hope it (poor form in Chennai) continues. It very much depends on the day.”

“We are probably a stronger bowling side than we have been in previous years. Whether that marries up to putting guys of high calibre under pressure, we have to wait and see. But it’s an excellent challenge and good one for us here.”