IPL 2024: The intent they have got is very encouraging – Stephen Fleming lauds CSK’s batters

Chennai Super Kings’ head coach Stephen Fleming has hailed the team’s batting unit after their bright start to the ongoing Indian Premier League 2024 season. CSK won their opening match of the season against Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets.

CSK was able to chase down 174 with relative ease in the end. Five of the top six batters scored more than 20 runs and scored their runs at a good clip.

Rachin Ravindra, who has impressed with his skillsets, made a fine debut for CSK. The left-hander scored a brisk knock of 37 runs off just 15 balls with the help of three fours and as many sixes.

Fleming recalled how Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway delivered for the franchise in the previous season.

“Last season, Ruturaj and Devon Conway shared the role (of openers) and scored the runs. The volume of runs those two got last season was a big reason why we progressed through the competition,” Fleming said in pre-match presser.

“Not sure, but I liked the intent of the batters (against RCB). We have a longer batting line-up with an extra player (Impact player),” he reckoned.

“You don’t always get away with one big score. So, to have everybody contribute is a positive. It’s not an easy game to play while chasing 175-plus.

“We don’t know whose day it’s going to be tomorrow. The players are training well for that occasion, and the intent that they have got is very encouraging.” ‘Ravindra stuck to his game.

“Part of introducing players to the squad involves getting them comfortable, and Mike Hussey works around that plan a lot. Predominantly, we ask the players to do what they would in a normal environment while playing during an overseas tour.

“That’s what Rachin did. He played very well and stuck to his game. There were nerves around, which is common in the first game, and to put up a performance like that (against RCB) was very encouraging,” he revealed.

Barring Ruturaj Gaikwad, who scored a run-a-ball 15, all the CSK batters scored at a strike rate of more than 120.

CSK will face Gujarat Titans at Chepauk on Tuesday.