IPL 2022: CSK were not good enough to win close games, says coach Stephen Fleming
The defending champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), found it difficult to repeat their “catastrophic success” in IPL 2022, when they were not “good enough” to win close games, according to head coach Stephen Fleming.
The four-time winners finished last in the IPL, with only four victories in 14 games, despite being one of the most successful teams in the competition.
“There was mixed success. We sort of stuttered our way through. We had a number of games that were close, but we were not good enough to get across the line.
“That’s the normal story of the season we don’t qualify,” Fleming said after CSK’s five-wicket loss to Rajasthan Royals on Friday.
The team, which included numerous new players, found it difficult to perform in the same manner as past seasons, according to the New Zealander.
“When you start a new cycle and have a number of new players and a new dynamic in the team it can be testing.
“We suffered from catastrophic success so just trying to play the same way, continue from our last four years, which were very successful, is a real challenge.
“Dropping back and understanding what the new players can do, it can take a little bit of time.”
Fleming, on the other hand, believes the disappointing season will serve as a springboard for the players in the upcoming season.
“We didn’t have a couple of form players that could get us through those early days, get the win and the momentum going.
“We had opportunity to do better than we did. But the reality is we couldn’t qualify for the semis and that will be the catalyst for next year.”
The performances of rookie pacers Mukesh Choudhary and Simarjeet Singh were highlighted by Fleming as positives in CSK’s disappointing season.
“I think he was excellent. A nervous start, but we stuck with him and we reaped the rewards towards the end. He just got better and better. Simarjeet is also responding to the pressure. So, those two boys definitelyth were a positive.”
“The first year of the three-year cycle is a chance to see some players. This one today was great to have a look at a couple of guys under pressure.”
He added that all-rounders Moeen Ali, who hit a 57-ball 93 against RR. And Ravindra Jadeja are vital members of the team.
“Ali was superb. He is one of our marquee players. And (on Friday against RR) I thought it was probably going to be a 250-run wicket. But the game suddenly changed at the halfway point of our batting.
“But Moeen has shown us his class with both the bat and the ball. And his partner Jadeja make a key part of the side,” Fleming added.
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