Players were distracted: Fleming
Coach admits that the fear of Chennai Super Kings being scrapped did cross his mind
abu dhabi — Chennai Super Kings (CSK) coach and former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming admitted that the squad were distracted by the off the field happenings but said that getting together as a group in the UAE, ahead of the IPL, has helped them insulate themselves and focus on the job.
The IPL plunged into a crisis after off field controversies last season and CSK and the Rajasthan Royals came under the scanner. It has been especially hard for the squad to concentrate on cricket with a lot of things happening around them.
“There is a lot going on, I won’t lie. There has been a lot of distractions. So, it is nice to get back into a team environment where you’re somewhat cocooned and get a bit more info and concentrate on what’s at hand. All we can do is to try and be consistent again. But yes, it’s there, we acknowledge it and just hope it works out. From a playing point of view and the team point of view, we are healthy and strong,” Fleming said on Monday.
“We haven’t got together as a group. Individually, we have been watching away in New Zealand and Australia, watching events. It is out of our hands, obviously. Delighted to be back here and back together and one thing I can guarantee is that when the group gets together it is about our job at hand. There are side issues taking place but when it comes down to just playing cricket, it is probably the easiest job you can do,” he added.
Fleming also admitted that the fear of CSK being scrapped did cross his mind. “Once again, I won’t lie. I think we were all uncertain about how it was going to play out and were desperate to get back into the fold of the team and have another chance to carry on the history of CSK. It has only been six years, but a lot has happened. Certainly, there was a time where we had to sit back and watch it play out,” said Fleming.
To deal with it, Fleming said that the right thing to do was to talk about it with the players.
“You do have a role to play in speaking to your players about it. It’s probably predictable to say it ‘Not to worry about off-field incidents and just play.’ So, I won’t do it. I’ll almost take it for granted that getting back into the team environment is the most important thing. We’ll touch on it if we think it’s an issue. I think most players are pretty relieved to be back and playing together with a new side,” he said.
Fleming said that the squad should take pride in putting the yellow of the Chennai Super Kings.
“It always is a very difficult job to follow one of the most successful cricketers in the world at the moment but I’m always given this task. Look, I will reflect on what our skipper said. It is good to get together and put the yellow shirt back on. To put the shirt on is very special and with the Chennai yellow is very special. I’m delighted to have our skipper and all our senior players back together. Chennai has a very consistent record in the IPL. We are excited about being here in the UAE with new players and feel that season is a very big season to prove a number of things. The
Chennai has a very consistent record in the IPL
Fleming
players that have come into the side will add a new dimension and the old hands that have been with us for some time now will hopefully continue their consistency. We are looking forward to the IPL. It is few days more until we play so a lot of hard practice and then the fun begins,” Fleming said.
About his role, Fleming said it was all about creating an environment for the players so that they can get the job done. “Part of the challenge is keeping it exciting for the players to come in. We have a very relaxed atmosphere. It is just about getting the job done. They are great players and you don’t have to do much. So, my main priority is to create an environment where it is fun off the field, there’s a lot of travelling, a lot of down time. It looks glamorous playing in front of the crowds. We love the travel. Practice can be quite draining in this heat. So, the main coaching is to provide an environment a little bit different to that of international squads and look to have a bit of fun as well as win,” he said.
Fleming was pleased with the new additions to the team. “I think there are some pretty powerful additions to the side, some new tools to play around with this season. Ex- citement is pretty much the buzzword this time,” said Fleming.
CSK have roped in New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum and Fleming said that they have a crack line-up. “He is pretty dynamic. We’ve added players like Smith, McCullum They join Raina, du Plessis, Dhoni, Jadeja and Bravo — seven top order batters. There’s been a shift in that we’ve lost a great player in Mike Hussey but we’ve gone for some power players that on the day can win games. Smith can, du Plessis can, McCullum can go through that whole list. It’s just the way the game is going. We’ve learnt a lot in the last six years. We are now trying to build a side that is more powerful and based on match winners around a team philosophy,” he said.
And he reiterated that their squad was well balanced and the presence of the Indian internationals makes them even stronger. “I won’t say it because you look at other sides and you say, man, what a combination! You always have team envy after an auction and before an IPL. But the players we’ve picked, the quality and experience, the guys have done it before. Smith, in particular, has done it before for Mumbai. We are delighted to get him. McCullum’s the same. He didn’t have much of a go at KKR, but looking forward to getting him an opportunity. We are realistic. I know we’ve got a good side because the Indian core of players is dynamic and if we add to that and have some luck, we’ll do ok,” Fleming said.
Fleming was pleased that Dhoni has had a good rest and said that it was important to keep him in a good mental space. He’s pretty good and quite fresh. He was quite funny today, which is a sign that he’s had a good rest. Part of my challenge, team’s challenge, is to keep him engaged and making sure the daily grind of international cricket is let go and he should have some fun here. Hopefully, we can see him play with some freedom which is always good,” said Fleming.