For Fleming, AB stands between CSK and the final

Sabi Hussain

Ranchi, May 21

Chennai Super Kings have worked out a plan to counter the batting threat of South Africa’s AB de Villiers in Friday’s Qualifier 2 against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, informed CSK coach Stephen Fleming on the eve of the all-important contest.

De Villiers confirmed his rich vein of form with a match-winning knock of 38-ball 66 against the Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator on Wednesday. Fleming conceded that the CSK would have to change their approach to combat the threat posed by de Villiers, who can single-handedly change the complexion of the game with his brutal hitting.

“You can make as many plans as you like but he is such a good player that he can take the game away from you within moments. He is a world-class player and, against him, you have got to hold your nerve and have a bit of courage. You have to be ready to take the opportunity when it comes. You cannot give him two bites at the cherry and have to be absolutely on the mark from the first ball,” Fleming said.

Fleming stressed on the need for the CSK batsmen to collectively fire in the crucial game. He conceded that his top-order has not performed to its potential, barring Brendon McCullum, when it mattered the most.

“Our batsmen are getting out at the wrong time. We are losing more wickets than we have lost in the previous IPLs. All we need is that our top four or five batsmen should get the majority of runs. That has probably been the difference this year as compared to other years. We have fallen short on top-order runs. We want our entire batting order to fire tomorrow,” he said.”

Asked about the reason behind the failure of their top-order, Fleming acknowledged that having played most of their matches on a tricky wicket in Chennai, the batsmen have not been able to adapt to the conditions at other venues. 

“We have been playing on the difficult Chennai wicket where it is hard to find form. The guys have worked hard to get fluency back in their game. They can take their time but we are running out of it. Hopefully, we can do it tomorrow,” he said.

The former New Zealand captain felt that the stage is perfect for the two-time champions to book a berth in their sixth IPL final, given they are more acclimatised to the conditions in Ranchi than their opponents.

“We played a lot here last year. There is some attachment as well with this place being the skipper’s home town. But, as a team, it’s important that we do the job no matter what the surroundings are. If you don’t play well, you don’t get the goodies.”