IPL 2018: Stephen Fleming Cites Poor Fielding as the Reason Behind CSK's Loss Against KKR

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) somewhat infuriated head coach Stephen Fleming blamed fielding department while citing poor fielding as the reason behind Super Kings’ (CSK) six-wicket loss to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday night

Batting first, Chennai posted 177 runs on the board banking on their collective batting effort.

However, in reply, the visitors let go away few chances which costs them the match.

Moreover, some brilliant batting display from Shubman Gill and Dinesh Karthik ensured home team to bag the crucial two points.

“We know we are not strong in that area and it got exposed.That some good fielders made mistakes also led to the heads going down a little bit,” said Fleming.

Crucial among the fielding lapses turned out to be a dropped catches by Ravindra Jadeja of Sunil Narine in successive deliveries from K Asif at mid-off.

Fleming feels this poor show on the field directly affects the bowler’s mindset as well, as Asif went for 21 runs in the 15th over which shifted the momentum.

However, Fleming is not keen on ringing changes to the bowling unit.

“We are not that good a side that we can have bad days and still get away with wins…I think it is a very tight competition, perhaps the tightest season to date with teams very smartly put together. It comes down to key moments. Fortunately for us, we are in a good position because we have won some key moments. But we have to keep winning those,” he added.

Fleming said CSK lost a bit of intensity in the last four or five overs while batting. He also lauded Sunil Narine‘s effort, who was spot on with the ball.

“Narine is a quality bowler even at the start and he is so at the end too. He stunted momentum,” said Fleming.

CSK will play Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) next and Stephen Fleming said he needs to keep his players fresh.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led side will now play games on a trot and it will be crucial to keep the energy level of the player’s up.

“So, a lot to work on. If you win, you just keep riding that momentum but a loss just gives a slap in the face and, hopefully, it will have an effect in a day-and-a-half’s time,” he concluded.

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