The returning team Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is all set to play their first match of IPL season 11 on 7th April against defending champions Mumbai Indians. Ahead of the match, the head coach of the franchise, Stephen Fleming stated that experienced squad is the key strength of their side.
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However, earlier the franchise was mocked by many for selecting old age guys over young guns. Now, as per the recent quotes in Sportstar live, Stephen Fleming noted that it is often that the experienced players win games for their sides.
Fleming believes that most of the time, senior player makes a mark in the matches. Experienced players like Dhoni, Watson, Harbhajan, and Bravo are expected to make the impact this season.
“There is always a plan B (if the selection backfires), I value experience and I always have. If a professional player is in shape and performing well, he is a valuable asset. You don’t see young players come out and make a mark that often. People talk about it but very rarely, a young player has come out and scored the most runs. I am not too sure. Rashid Khan and Washington Sundar are exceptions, there is only a handful. The experienced players play a major part in all tournaments,” Stephen Fleming quoted.
“Bravo (Dwayne), Watson (Shane) are competing well. Harbhajan Singh has a good skill-set and M.S. Dhoni is a fine leader. They all look very good,” he added.
Fleming also revealed that Faf Du Plessis will miss the season opener due to injuries. Mark Wood and Lungi Ngidi have just joined the training and their participation in the first match remains doubted.
“He won’t play tomorrow. He has got a couple of injuries he had throughout the summer. He needs a little bit of time. It was tough for him but he is positive to play and be fit for the majority of the tournament,” Fleming revealed.
“We had guys coming in last night. Mark Wood and Lungi Ngidi just joined the training. It is still a part of our discussions. These people are all meeting for the first time and the skills are being seen for the first time too. We still have a lot of work to do,” he added.
