CSK head coach Stephen Fleming was quick to dismiss any doubts about Dhoni’s fitness.
Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni last played competitive cricket in July 2019, in the semi-final of the World Cup in India. He has since retired from international cricket and will take over his IPL franchise after 14 months of inactivity. On the eve of the first IPL match, Stephen Fleming quickly resolved any questions about Dhoni’s fitness or training methods, acknowledging that the skipper was “fresh and ready to go.”
“That [Dhoni’s training methods] it was no different, “Fleming told the official CSK website.” He is very fit and mentally he has been very committed and determined. In some ways, the break can work for the experienced and older players that we have. The MS is fresh and ready to go. “
CSK was one of the first teams to meet for training, and the only one to camp before leaving for the UAE. In fact, the three-time champions had even wanted to get to the venue much earlier than planned to get rid of any rust that had occurred on their players due to the lockdown situation that has been the case since March. They arrived on August 20, 30 days before their first game, but they ran into obstacles. His preseason was largely hampered by positive COVID-19 cases within his camp and delayed the start of his networking sessions. Fleming admitted that the players were understandably anxious, but praised them for their calm approach as the events of the past two weeks unfolded.
“We didn’t get off to a great start, with some positive Covid-19 cases, but I think we handled it very well. We were calm in our approach, we took good care of the players and the staff, and the rest of the players were calm in the hotel room. There was a bit of anxiety about wanting to go out and train. It is what it is, and the players handled it very well. In retrospect, the amount of preseason training we’ve done so far, and the few days extra in the room, it was probably a blessing, “Fleming said.
When CSK takes the field in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, it will meet a familiar foe in the 2019 finalists Mumbai Indians. An incredible finish in that final saw MI not only outperform CSK, but also usurp their rivals in terms. of counting titles. Fleming felt that his team had earned the right to lift the curtains for the IPL together with MI, and that it was an element that could help assess the team’s readiness.
“The first game is always full of anxiety, nerves and excitement, and CSK-MI has added more excitement and pressure and we enjoy it. We earned the right to play the first game by playing well last year, and we have led the way final ended last year, it’s good to have another shot at IM. They’re a very good team and it gives you a good idea of how the preseason has gone and the areas that need improvement. You have a good idea after the first game as to where your team is sitting.
Even at a time when franchises are willing to bet on the youngsters, CSK is once again heading for a season as the most experienced team, with as many as 3,256 T20 among the team members. Fleming was firm in his support for what his older players bring to the table and explained how that has helped them get over the line in close games.
“We have experienced players, and experienced players identify key moments and that is why they have done so well in their careers, that they can change the games, absorb the pressure or just summarize the situation. That is what experience is all about and why We value him very much. And that is why we have been able to overcome the line in so many close matches because the key player has been one with a lot of experience. “
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