IPL 2024: Stephen Fleming’s directive is to keep pushing the game forward – Michael Hussey

Chennai Super Kings’ batting coach Michael Hussey has revealed that head coach Stephen Fleming’s directive is to keep pushing the game forward. CSK batters have adopted an aggressive batting approach and it is paying dividends for the team.

Chennai posted an above-par score of 207 runs on the board against Gujarat Titans at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Tuesday and went on to win convincingly by 63 runs. Rachin Ravindra and Shivam Dube scored 46 and 51 runs respectively as both the left-handers were able to hit the ground running.

CSK has a lot of depth in their batting as their former skipper MS Dhoni, who is yet to bat in IPL 2024, is slated to bat at number eight.

“It’s definitely been a directive from Fleming to keep pushing the game forward,” Hussey said after CSK’s win.

“We’ve got MSD at #8, which is crazy. MSD is batting really well at the moment as well,” Hussey said, delving further into how this has changed the messaging given to the top-order. “Because we’ve got so much depth in resources, it means the players up the order, if they’re in sort of two minds, take the positive route and they’ll certainly have the backing from the coaches and the captain.”

Hussey added that Fleming wants the batters to play aggressively and if they get out playing that way, it is fine.

“We prefer you to try and push the game forward as much as you can, and if you get out in doing so, it’s fine, you’ll never be criticised for that. Flem’s talk is about playing fast,” Hussey said.

Hussey showered praise on Rachin Ravindra, who got CSK off to a flier in the Powerplay overs. The left-hander scored a 20-ball 46 as he played at the top of his game against GT. Ravindra had scored 37 runs off just 15 in the opener against RCB.

“He’s had a great start. He’s been awesome to watch. He’s just come here, full of energy, just wants to learn so much and make a positive impact on the team environment,” Hussey said. “He is just enjoying it. He’s trying to soak up as much knowledge as he possibly can and he really feeds off the crowds here as well.

“I think once he got a couple of good shots early, his confidence just grew and he believed that yeah I can perform on this stage and he’s grown from there. I think he’s gone out there with a clear mind and a nice positive attitude,” Hussey added.

Chennai Super Kings will next take on Delhi Capitals at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam on Sunday.