NEW DELHI: As Chennai Super Kings beat Delhi Capitals in their last league game to become the second team to qualify for the playoffs, MS Dhoni and co. ensured a visit to Chennai where Qualifier 1 and Eliminator are due to take place.
But head coach Stephen Fleming admitted on Saturday that Chennai may find it difficult to capitalize on home advantage as they are still unsure how conditions might play out at Chepauk in the Round of 16.
During the league phase of the tournament, CSK lost three of their 7 home games.
“We are still not too sure about our conditions in Chennai, other years we were pretty sure but it has changed a bit this year,” Fleming said in the post-match briefing.
After the loss to Kolkata Knight Riders, skipper MS Dhoni also said he was unable to assess the conditions at Chepauk.
The Yellow Brigade tends to bounce back from dark seasons and Fleming believes that’s down to the work that goes on behind the scenes.
“Every year is different. During the COVID year we felt we had a few mistakes but we finished really well. Last year we felt we would struggle, it was just about do the job a year ahead, not just give it up.
“Trying to give guys opportunities, find pieces of the puzzle, to help us bounce back.”
He cited the example of pacemaker Tushar Deshpande, who has become CSK’s top wicket taker this season.
“Deshpande is a good example, with injuries and opportunities he has become a quality player. It also comes down to the bidding table and the type of team we build.”
New Zealander Devon Conway again played a sensational shot (87 out of 52) and was voted player of the match.
“He’s been consistent and he gets points, he doesn’t always look flamboyant, but his ability to get points and get the job done is top class,” the head coach said.
Fleming also said Deepak Chahar’s form would be vital for the Round of 16.
“He has some confidence in his body now, he played very well today and he always comes back to how good he can be.
“Spell today was smart. Even in the last few games he wasn’t at his best but picked three wickets. If you have a golden arm with 2-3 games to go, it’s important that he continue the form.”
After a disappointing season, Delhi Capitals assistant coach Praveen Amre said he struggled with the Kotla pitch.
“We are not able to predict ourselves what kind of wicket it will be. The home advantage is you now have a 150 or 200 wicket. Today we estimated it was a wicket of 180. Thanks to their hitters.”
Delhi’s Indian core comprising the likes of Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan failed to deceive.
“We gave opportunities to all the available talent we had, but unfortunately none of them could make a difference. Only two hitters have been named man of the match in 14 games.
But head coach Stephen Fleming admitted on Saturday that Chennai may find it difficult to capitalize on home advantage as they are still unsure how conditions might play out at Chepauk in the Round of 16.
During the league phase of the tournament, CSK lost three of their 7 home games.
“We are still not too sure about our conditions in Chennai, other years we were pretty sure but it has changed a bit this year,” Fleming said in the post-match briefing.
After the loss to Kolkata Knight Riders, skipper MS Dhoni also said he was unable to assess the conditions at Chepauk.
The Yellow Brigade tends to bounce back from dark seasons and Fleming believes that’s down to the work that goes on behind the scenes.
“Every year is different. During the COVID year we felt we had a few mistakes but we finished really well. Last year we felt we would struggle, it was just about do the job a year ahead, not just give it up.
“Trying to give guys opportunities, find pieces of the puzzle, to help us bounce back.”
He cited the example of pacemaker Tushar Deshpande, who has become CSK’s top wicket taker this season.
“Deshpande is a good example, with injuries and opportunities he has become a quality player. It also comes down to the bidding table and the type of team we build.”
New Zealander Devon Conway again played a sensational shot (87 out of 52) and was voted player of the match.
“He’s been consistent and he gets points, he doesn’t always look flamboyant, but his ability to get points and get the job done is top class,” the head coach said.
Fleming also said Deepak Chahar’s form would be vital for the Round of 16.
“He has some confidence in his body now, he played very well today and he always comes back to how good he can be.
“Spell today was smart. Even in the last few games he wasn’t at his best but picked three wickets. If you have a golden arm with 2-3 games to go, it’s important that he continue the form.”
After a disappointing season, Delhi Capitals assistant coach Praveen Amre said he struggled with the Kotla pitch.
“We are not able to predict ourselves what kind of wicket it will be. The home advantage is you now have a 150 or 200 wicket. Today we estimated it was a wicket of 180. Thanks to their hitters.”
Delhi’s Indian core comprising the likes of Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan failed to deceive.
“We gave opportunities to all the available talent we had, but unfortunately none of them could make a difference. Only two hitters have been named man of the match in 14 games.
“David and Axar hit well, it’s positive but we have to go back to the drawing board.”
(With PTI entries)
