MS Dhoni: CSK confirms Dhoni’s batting position for IPL 2019

CSK confirms Dhoni’s batting position for IPL 2019: The Super Kings captain is expected to bat at a new position in IPL 2019.

Speaking at the launch of IPL Champions Chennai Super Kings’ official merchandise in Chennai, coach Stephen Fleming praised his fast bowlers to stand tall on the expectations last season. Laying emphasis on “good balance”, Fleming also highlighted the in-form and experienced spinners in the side.

“We backed our pace bowlers last year and they made the adjustment to Pune last year. Chennai still has a role for the pace bowlers; we’re conscious of a good balance. Imran Tahir is in good form, Karn Sharma and Harbhajan with his experience – we’ve got most of the bases covered and it’s just about getting the guys to perform and sitting on our game plan, especially at home but when we play away as well,” Fleming was quoted as saying.

Coming on the back of a two-year ban in the tournament, Super Kings registered their third IPL title last year. Having become only the second team (after Mumbai Indians) to do so, Fleming understands how difficult it is to remain consistent for over a decade in this tournament.

“We don’t talk about defending or retaining the Cup. We’re humble enough to know how hard it is to win it. [It’s] not arrogance. Just a case of caring for others and playing along,” Fleming said while addressing the talks of defending the trophy this year.

“We won big moments last year”

Being asked about Chennai’s victory in 2018, Fleming broke it down to the team culture, winning big moments, and the stellar performances by the franchise’s senior players throughout the tournament bringing the best for the franchise.

“Last year we just won big moments. We’re just big on team culture and empowering the players to make decisions and win big moments. And last year was a snapshot of that. Even though the young man [Kedar Jadhav] was only with us for one game, he played a huge part in winning that game with Bravo. And Faf du Plessis and [Shane] Watson at the end. And the usual suspects of [MS] Dhoni and [Suresh] Raina,” the 45-year old added.

Fleming discloses Dhoni’s role for IPL 2019

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who has been leading the side since 2008, had scored 455 runs in 16 matches at an average of 75.83 and a strike rate of 150.66 in IPL 2018. It was the first time after IPL 2013 that Dhoni had crossed the 400-run mark in the IPL.

The veteran cricketer usually batted at No. 4 or 5 to give himself more time to finish innings for the franchise. However, Fleming mentioned that CSK will use Dhoni in a flexible role this year. Expressing happiness at the batting order, the coach also highlighted the presence of Jadhav.

“Dhoni batted pretty much [at] No. 4 last year but we do use him in a little bit of flexible role, so that won’t change. His form has been outstanding in the last ten months, so, we won’t be getting tricky because we have a new player as well [Jadhav], which is great. So, we’re really happy with the [batting] order and the thoughts around that,” he concluded.

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