IPL 2018: We Have to Be Smart With Our Fielding, Says CSK Batting Coach Michael Hussey

Chennai Super Kings have taken the Indian Premier League (IPL) by storm in their comeback season. A clinical win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) last week made them the second team to qualify for the playoffs this season.

The Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led side has looked like the team to beat this season. Not surprisingly, they have remained in the top two of the points table for the most part of the cash-rich tournament.

But while their batting has looked impeccable and bowling has looked decent, the same cannot be said about their fielding.

The Super Kings have several players who are over 30 years of age, including their skipper Dhoni (36), Shane Watson (36), Dwayne Bravo (34), Ambati Rayudu (32), Harbhajan Singh (37) and Imran Tahir (39) to name a few.

With most of the first choice players being in their thirties, the team’s batting coach Michael Hussey has said the players need to be smart when it comes to improving the fielding.

“The one trade-off in having an older, experienced team is sometimes we have a few slower players on the field. That is one area where we have to be smart with and make sure we are doing the right things. We must be workmanlike. We will never be the most dynamic fielding unit,” Hussey said in the pre-match press conference at the Ferozeshah Kotla on Friday as he was quoted by Hindustan Times.

However, the former Super Kings star quickly made it clear that age was not a factor when it comes to Twenty20 cricket.

“Personally, for me, age is an advantage. Experience plays a big role in Twenty20 cricket. Most of the guys in the line-up have been in so many different pressure situations and they are able to handle them. Having that experience is a big positive,” Hussey said.

The upcoming clash against Delhi Daredevils (DD) holds little importance. The Chennai Super Kings have already made it to the playoffs while the Daredevils would end up at the bottom.

However, Hussey insisted that there was plenty at stake for Dhoni & Co.

“If we win this match, we are guaranteed a top-two spot. That is what the team is aiming for. I think it gives us the advantage to finish in the top two as it gives you the double chance. If you win the first match, then you directly go through to the big final. That is what we are hoping for,” Hussey said.