The second leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is slated to resume in the UAE on Sunday with the clash between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. While the first phase took place in India before it got suspended due to COVID-19, constant change in place creates trouble. And, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming said that the split in this season will pose an unforeseen challenge also.

He shared his thoughts while speaking to CSK TV, “It’s like a fresh start” for another tournament. “It’s a unique challenge to have a tournament split in half. So, we just want to start well again but also remembering the work that it took to get a bit of form and to get those wins. It’s all about the mindset, people coming together and almost treating it like a fresh start for another tournament.”

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“There are guys coming in from the CPL and International cricket and that’s the beauty of the IPL, they come with great experience and tie them all together. I’m really happy with the work that is being done here. I’m looking forward to it,” he again shared.

On the other hand, players are under strict bio-bubble protocols, which takes a toll on them. Owing to that, many have already pulled out and the franchises had to act accordingly and find suitable replacements as well. While Delhi Capitals are at the top of the points table, CSK is at the second spot as well.

Stephen Fleming claimed: “The style of play, the way the new players adjusted into the side and then getting a game plan that suits the players and the balance that we had. So, that was by design…which is always nice when it comes off. The way we batted and the aggressive nature in which we batted and took the opposition on and that was something that was lacking in the first half in Dubai last time. The confidence through that was good and the all-round balance was good to see.”

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“We finished the first half of phase 1 with a loss where Pollard played one of the great IPL innings. Mumbai do play well against us, so we got to keep lifting our standards. From a coaching point of view, you want that game underway so that you know what to work on and just exactly where the team’s at. So, we’re looking forward to it as always and it’s a good encounter,” Stephen Fleming concluded.