Coach Fleming concedes to Chennai facing off-field distractions going into the tournament
Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming on Monday conceded to experiencing off-field “distractions” going into the IPl 7 season because of the controversies surrounding the team but hoped that his side would settle down once the tournament begins on Wednesday.
“There’s a lot going on, I won’t lie. There are a lot of distractions (leading up to the tournament). I think we were all uncertain about how it was going to play out,” Fleming said.
“We were desperate to get back into the fold of the team. It has only been six years but a lot has happened. It’s nice to get back into a team environment, where you’re somewhat cocooned, and get a bit more info. All we can do is try and be consistent again but yes, it (controversy) is there, we acknowledge it.”
The franchise has been on shaky ground ever since one of their officials, Gurunath Meiyappan, also the son-in-law of BCCI president N Srinivasan — the vice-chairman and managing director of India Cements, the company that owns CSK — was arrested on charges of cheating, forgery and fraud two days before the IPl 2013 final, amid the spot-fixing scandal.
Fleming said getting together as a team could act as a balm for the players’ nerves. “Getting back into the team environment is the most important thing. We’ll touch on the controversies (in team talks), if we think it’s an issue. But I think most players are pretty relieved to be back and playing together.”
Speaking about the changes in the team this season, Fleming said, “I think there are some pretty powerful additions to the side. Some new tools to play around with this season. There has been a shift in that we’ve lost a great player in Michael Hussey, but we’ve gone for some power players that on their day can win games.
“We’ve learnt a lot in the last six years. The players we’ve picked have quality and experience, these guys have done it before. Smith, in particular, has done it before for Mumbai. McCullum’s the same - he didn’t have much of a go at KKR, but we’re looking forward to getting him an opportunity. Overall I know we’ve got a good side because the Indian core of players is dynamic.”
‘Will start Gangnam with Yuvi’ Bangalore: West Indian batsman Chris Gayle on Monday said that he was looking forward to play along with the likes of Yuvraj Singh in Royal Challengers Bangalore team in the IPl which begins in the UAE on Wednesday.
“Yeah, looking forward to be with some international stars. Well Yuvi is an Indian star, but you know like always it is pleasure to share the dressing room with such big names,” Gayle said on the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s official website.
Gayle said Yuvraj and he can provide fans entertainment and try to guide the team into the final this season. “Yuvi and we are going to start Gangnam style together. I am sure he is looking forward for that act. We will go out to have fun and (its) going to be a source of intensity on the field and give fans what they want - to entertain,” he said.
He said the team was looking forward to grab the trophy this time around which they failed in the last two seasons. “This is a season we are looking forward to. We want to actually grab it. We have been around in the last two seasons. We didn’t actually make it to the final,” he said.
“We are eager to make best use of good starts. We are a good all-round squad led by Virat Kohli who is in a great form. We needed the trophy and I want to go and get it. RCB here we come,” he said.