Stephen Fleming: CSK lost the game in the powerplay itself

CSK head coach Stephen Fleming says the team's show against Mumbai Indians in Sharjah sums up its entire campaign this season.

Published : Oct 24, 2020 05:50 IST

Stephen Fleming attributed CSK’s defeat against Mumbai Indians to a “terrible” Powerplay where it lost too many quick wickets.

CSK was on Friday reduced to 21 for five in the Powerplay and could only post a paltry 114 for nine.

“We were pretty stunned really. It was a terrible Powerplay. To lose wickets so quickly, so frequently, the game was almost over in the Powerplay. Obviously, we had a couple of young guys who had an opportunity which didn’t work out,” Fleming said at the post-match press conference on Friday.

“So the message during the time out was to have some runs on the board to give us half a chance in the game as our bowling was strong due to overseas players.”

CSK picked Imran Tahir for the first time in the tournament and Fleming said Ruturaj Gaikwad opened the batting to accommodate the veteran South African leg-spinner. “The pitches are becoming a little more difficult at times and our opening stands have been a little bit of mix. So the plan was to be positive and the reason why Ruturaj Gaikwad was there because we wanted to introduce Tahir to have some balance,” Fleming said.

“Our spin bowling has been a little bit ineffective so when you have one of the best T20 spinners we were keen to play him but we had a poor batting display and it sums up our tournament. Everything we have tried has been opposite.”

'Exceptional' Curran

Fleming praised young Sam Curran, who has been one of the better performers among his peers in CSK.

“He (Sam) is doing everything right, isn’t he? He has taken every opportunity and his performances show a lot of character. Today’s [performance] was exceptional. He’s been very good for us in what has been a disappointing season. What we’re doing now is trying to get as many positives as we can - Sam is one, and there will be opportunities to the others.

“We will look to finish the season well - by no means are we gonna give up. We want to win our last three games - but on the other hand, it’s important we answer every question about all players as we head into the next auction cycle,” he said.

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