The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Consistency is the key: Fleming

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Apr 13, 2011
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Sport

Sport - Cricket

Consistency is the key: Fleming

Special Correspondent

MOHALI: “Consistency is the key,” said Stephen Fleming as he explained the reason behind Chennai Super Kings' performances spread over three seasons.

“No team can go on winning. Every team will lose games. But when we go out each time, we try to create an opportunity to win. Last year, we peaked at the right time and won the title,” said the coach of Chennai Super Kings ahead of Wednesday's match against Kings XI Punjab.

Feeling the pressure

Fleming admitted that the Chennai team was feeling the pressure of being the defending champion. “Yes. There is pressure. There should be. It makes you work harder. Keep the flow going and keep getting the job done,” he said. When asked about several teams using make-shift wicketkeepers in the competition, Fleming said, “It is good to have multi-skill players in the side. If players like Tillakaratne Dilshan and A.B. de Villiers can do the job, it gives the team extra options down the line. We are lucky to have a skipper (M.S. Dhoni) who keeps wickets and bats as only he can.”

On the close victory in the opening game for CSK, Fleming said it was important to start with a win but added that winning away games was no less vital.

Looking at the rival camp, Fleming said, “We know they must be desperate. In this format, it does not take much for the fortunes to change. We all know how well Adam Gilchrist bats. He can single-handedly turn the match. So we are very realistic about what we have to do out there.”

Tough fight expected

Earlier, Gilchrist looked ahead to a “tough fight” on Wednesday. “Chennai is a formidable side but in T20, anything can happen,” said the optimistic Aussie.

“In the first game (against Pune Warriors), we did not get going and put down a few catches. But the spirit in the team is good, we are beginning to jell well,” he said.

On the possible inclusion of David Hussey, Gilchrist said, “It depends on how he feels on arriving here. His inclusion adds to the off-spin option.”

About the domestic players in the squad, Gilchrist said, he was pleased with their “ability to perform” besides their “personality” and “behaviour.”

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport