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We got to keep lifting our standards against MI - Stephen Fleming ahead of Classico

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The 14th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is back and nothing could get better than a restart with arch-rivals Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings locking horns against each other. Chennai Super Kings chief coach Stephen Fleming feels that it will be a fresh start and playing in UAE will sport a unique challenge to them after an impressive start to the season. CSK are currently occupying the 2nd spot in the points table with 10 points in 7 games. 

“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.

“There are guys coming in from the CPL (Caribbean Premier League) 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," Fleming was quoted as saying by the CSK TV ahead of the el-Classico of IPL. 

Chennai Super Kings struggled in the 2020 edition failing to qualify for the very first time in the history of IPL. However, they came back strongly in the 14th season until the tournament was halted abruptly due to some of the players from respective camps testing positive for covid-19. 

When asked how the new players have adjusted to the needs of the side, the former New Zealand skipper said, “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,” Fleming said. 

Just before the 14th season was suspended indefinitely, both teams met in a cliffhanger and it was a stunning knock from the blade of Kieron Pollard which led MI to a record run-chase of 219. He smashed 87 of 35 deliveries to help MI script a historic win. 

Over the years, these two teams have been involved in several intense battles. However, when it comes to head to head battle, MI have a significant advantage over CSK, especially in recent years. While Mumbai have won 5 of their last 6 encounters against CSK, they have a 19-13 advantage overall. 

Speaking on the MI vs CSK battle, Fleming said, “We finished the first half of phase 1 with a loss where Pollard played one of the great IPL innings. Mumbai does 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."

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