Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming said that his team is aiming to start the second phase of IPL 2021 on a good note.
IPL 2021 is all set to restart with the opening match between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians on Sunday in Dubai.
With 10 points from seven matches, CSK are placed second on the points table as of now while their rivals MI are in the fourth position with eight points.
“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,” Fleming told CSK TV.
“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,” he added.
The aggressive nature in batting was lacking in IPL 2020: Stephen Fleming
CSK showed a dismal performance last year and it was the first time that the Yellow Brigade failed to qualify for the knockout stage in the IPL history.
But this year they turned around things and got back to their old aggressive style of playing. Fleming termed CSK’s aggressive batting nature as the difference between the two seasons.
“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,” Fleming said.
“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,” he added.
Mumbai Indians do play well against us: Stephen Fleming
The match between CSK and Mumbai Indians is also called the El Clasico of IPL. Both teams have played some thriller encounters in the IPL histories when they clash with each other.
Mumbai Indians have won three of their five IPL titles by defeating CSK in the finals and Rohit Sharma’s team has a better head to head record against MS Dhoni’s men.
MI defeated CSK by six wickets at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi in the first leg of IPL 2021.
“We finished the first half of phase 1 with a loss where Pollard played one of the great IPL innings. Mumbai do play well against us, so we got to keep lifting our standards,” Fleming spoke on the biggest IPL rivalry.
“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,” he added.
Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians match will start at 7:30 PM live from Dubai International Stadium.
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