IPL 2018: The Desire To Get Back And Do Well In The Competition Was High: Stephen Fleming

Chennai Super Kings could not asked for a better finish to their comeback season. One of the most successful teams in the history of the league, the Super Kings could not play in 2016 and 2017 after being suspended on corruption charges. As expected, there were apprehensions all around that the Super Kings would struggle to replicate their past performances.

However, the Super Kings and the Indian Premier League is a match made in heaven. And the Super Kings once again proved it. The MS Dhoni-led blew away Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final to lift the title. Right from the time MS Dhoni won the toss till the winning four by Ambati Rayudu, almost everything went Super Kings’ way on Sunday.

Speaking after the win, head coach Stephen Fleming said the ‘high’ desire to make a good comeback fuelled the team’s season.

“If you weigh up every team, the expectation of winning would be high. There was emotion involved just around wanting to do well and get back into the competition. It was difficult two years for the franchise, no doubt about it. The desire to get back and do well in the competition was high,” Fleming said.

“But the players were always motivated, it was just a case of harnessing that emotion and making sure our performances and the team itself was sustainable to keep winning throughout,” he added.

While Super Kings are one of the most successful teams in the league, their track record in the final left a lot to be desired. Prior to this year’s final, they made it to the title-decider on 6 occasions and ended up on the losing side in 4 of them. The latest title, their third overall, was their first in seven years.

Fleming said that the third title has been the toughest.

“It’s the toughest year it’s been. The teams are getting smarter with who they pick. The auctions are getting competitive and there’s much more grasp of who franchises want as a player. So this was a tough one. And again, we valued experience for consistency. Guys who could repetitively do it, not just one-offs because we found that the guys who get on a roll – the Rayudus, the Watsons, the Dhonis, the Rainas – they take you deep in the tournament. Good enough to win? Who knows, it’s on the day. Today, thankfully it was ours,” he opined.

The star of the final was Shane Watson. The allrounder struck an unbeaten 117 off 57 balls to take his team home in the 19th over. This year’s season has been completely different for Watson compared to last year. In 2017, he had fared poorly for Royal Challengers Bangalore. However, the Super Kings still went for the proven campaigner in the auction and are now enjoying the rewards.

The Super Kings’ started the 179-run chase on a shaky note. They were 20 for 1 at the end of 5 overs. However, as the innings progressed, the batsmen especially Watson found their rhythm.  The Australian took 11 balls to open his account but did not look back once he had his eyes set.

“The opening spell was, I thought, outstanding from SRH. He might’ve been none off 10 balls. It was a real battle in the first four or five overs. It was a great final in that sense. Shane gradually found a bit of range and rhythm. He kept patience again that we’d experienced, didn’t give it away. Watson knew his power game would get the team out of trouble and it did in spectacular fashion. He has been a star performer for us,” said Fleming.

Comparing Watson’s below-par last season with Royal Challengers Bangalore and his fine form this time, Fleming said:

“I watched him closely at the Big Bash and there were signs that he was in good form. I had no doubt he was going to make an impact. Fitness was an issue as it is a long tournament but he is more professional than even I thought. He is a bit broken now.”