The Indian team management reckons MS Dhoni is best suited for the number five position in their line-up moving into the World Cup but in Chennai Super Kings, their skipper will be batting a notch higher at No 4, said coach Stephen Fleming. Dhoni, who will be leading the defending champions for the 10th year, would be used as a floater if required but Kedar Jadhav‘s presence makes it easier to fix the slots.
During a recent press conference, Fleming said, “Dhoni batted pretty much (at) No. 4 last year but we do use him in a little bit of a flexible role, so that won’t change. His (Dhoni’s) form has been outstanding in the past 10 months. We have a new player as well (Kedar Jadhav) which is great. So, we’re really happy with the (batting) order and the thoughts around that.”
Kedar played the first match of the last season before facing an injury scar because of which he was out of the team for nearly six months. CSK is a team that’s core is formed with players in their mid or late 30’s but Fleming points out at the mindset of the players made all the difference.
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Fleming alluded the team’s memorable triumph on the comeback last year to mindset, he said, “We tend not to do it (compare). Because if you start looking at other teams, you’re trapped away from what’s good or bad of your own. There are enough great players with each side, so it comes down to mindset, team environment, and culture and winning big moments.”
CSK coach spoke about how the team won the crucial moments which proved to be decisive in the end. He further added, “Last year, we just won big moments. We’re just big on team culture and empowering the players to make decisions and win big moments. And last year was a snapshot of that. Even though the ‘young’ man (34-year-old Kedar Jadhav) was only with us for one game, he played a huge part in winning that game with Bravo. And Faf du Plessis and Watson at the end. And the usual suspects like Dhoni and Raina.”
Fleming also praised Mitchell Santner, who missed last season owing to injury, and said he has a great record in the sub-continent and it was good to have him.
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Talking about the spinners further, Stephen said, “Yeah, Mitch has a got a great record in the subcontinent, which is why it is good to have him. Chennai still has a role for the pace bowlers. We are conscious of a good balance. Imran Tahir is in good form, Karn Sharma and Harbhajan with his experience we’ve got most of the bases covered and it’s just about getting the guys to perform and sitting on our gameplan, especially at home but when we play away as well.”
