IPL 8, MI vs CSK: ‘Wankhede is special for Indian players in our team,’ says Stephen Fleming

Mumbai: Six! A brutal pull, followed by another one. Result, the same and this time, the ball landed at the upper tier of the Wankhede Stadium here on Thursday. The man inside the net is Brendon McCullum. And if the ball is seen on air (safely hit), it is understood that the team practicing is Chennai Super Kings. Ahead of the clash against Mumbai Indians, the Men in Yellow looked upbeat for the challenge. But it seems that captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni took a day off, he wasn’t seen on the ground.

Rather, Irfan Pathan – who is yet to turn out for a game – was seen running, stretching with Michael Hussey.

(Photo: DC)

Football ruled the early part of the training session with whistles (the traditional Chennai style) and claps – all among the players. Whoever turned out skillful was applauded.

(Photo: DC)

Coach Stephen Fleming believes it is still early days for the tournament, but with teams like Delhi Daredevils looking hungry for a win is a good sign.

“The personality of the competition hasn’t yet taken shape. Team from last year are showing good traits. We’d so far had home games, but we need to maximize here,” he said, adding the importance of Wankhede Stadium for the Indian players who won the World Cup here in 2011.

“For the Indian players in our team, this stadium is a good feeling for they won the World Cup here. But playing Mumbai Indians here is going to be tougher, a different challenge,” said Fleming.

But the former New Zealand captain is confident of performing well.

“If Brendon McCullum gets a ton along with 60-odd runs from Mahendra Singh Dhoni, we will win the game,” he added.

When asked about the habit of playing in the finals, he asserted: “We haven’t won for three years now despite getting close. We are trying to get better,” said the 42-year-old.

Fleming, unlike the critics, did not write Ravindra Jadeja (who had a quiet World Cup) off.

“Jadeja has a hard role to play. But he hasn’t got much chance for about a year now. Look at the number of balls he faced. He is a bit better than what he is now. With his bowling, he is an important part in the team. He didn’t have to bowl the other day because others did the job,” Fleming said, who believes a team should not be changed much.

“If you chop and change, you may go downside. Players should be given time to settle down. The guys who missed out in the last game should be looking forward to this one,” he pointed.

Harbhajan likely to play

Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, will have mixed emotions for Aaron Finch – the star opener from Australia – has been ruled out, but, Harbhajan Singh, who missed the tie against Rajasthan Royals, is likely to make cut.

Talking about Finch’s substitute in the long run, captain Rohit Sharma said: “We are still thinking about it. There are some names which we decided but nothing is confirmed yet. As of now, we are concentrating on Friday’s game.”

When asked about the reason behind Mumbai’s three consecutive losses, he said the team needs to bat well in the first few overs.

“Both batting and bowling is responsible for poor show. I won’t say the bowlers are performing poorly, I think the batsmen need to do better in the first six overs. We have been losing wickets in the initial stages but still managing to score 160 above,” Rohit said, adding that he would like to bat at number four for the time being.

“Looking at the balance and team combination, it is better for me to bat at number four. I may change my mind later,” he added.

Earlier, Harbhajan had referred to him as the best player in the team and that his performance will count the most for the team. But Rohit doesn’t believe in the effort of one single player to win matches.

“Even if I score 100 and we do not take wickets, it will not matter. Nothing relies on one player. You saw what happened against Kolkata Knight Riders,” he pointed.

Rohit spoke highly of newcomer Jagadeesha Suchith who turned heads after the first home match against Kings XI Punjab. The all-rounder was unbeaten on 34 off 21 with two sixes and four boundaries.

“He is a smart cricketer. I am very impressed with his attitude. He has shown that he can do the job for us,” said Rohit.