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Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming yesterday attributed “loyalty to players” and “consistency in selection” for the success of his team which has played in five IPL finals and won two of them. |
“We had a strategy right from outset that we will be loyal to players that became apparent when we retained 95 percent of our players when all the players went for auction the second time. What we have been able to do is reach another level by retaining the same set of players, allowing them to become good friends over the years,” said Fleming, on the eve of today’s final against Mumbai Indians, to be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
He said CSK’s consistency in selection has enhanced the level of camaraderie between players.
“Our players’ relationship has been getting better and we have been consistent in our selection and used minimum players to get the desired results,” he added.
Along with praising the Indian contingent comprising the likes of skipper MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and R Ashwin, Fleming credited the great relationship of Indians with foreign players.
“We have been very consistent and this season has been very satisfying for us considering the fact that we had limped to finals in the last edition. It has been a great record so far but we are up against a very good side in Mumbai. Possibly, it is a fitting final,” said Fleming, reflecting on the current IPL season.
Describing Mumbai as a tough opponent, Fleming said his team will not rely on individual performances but rather hope for a superlative team effort.
Dashing opener Michael Hussey, who has been prolific with the bat amassing 732 runs to get the orange cap, though said he had no regrets on retiring from international cricket.
Both Fleming and Hussey admiited that the raging spot fixing allegations were a distraction but said the team was determined to do better.
While Chennai would be looking for their third IPL title in six years, for Mumbai it would be their first title win.
