The Chennai Super Kings will host the Gujarat Titans in a replay of the previous year’s final as the teams look to continue the winning start they have managed in the nascent edition of the money-rich Indian Premier League.
Both sides, under the new leadership, have managed to open their campaigns with wins as CSK got the beating of neighbours Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the curtain-raiser with Ruturaj Gaikwad beginning his captaincy stint on a positive note, while Shubman Gill’s GT claimed the win and bragging rights over Titans old boy Hardik Pandya’s Mumbai Indians.
Ahead of the mouth-watering clash between the winners of the last two seasons, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming addressed the media reflection on the opening day victory boost and the key factors that could determine the outcome of the Tuesday fixture at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
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When quizzed if the matchup between two well-rounded teams under two young skippers, who have been handed the reins of their respective sides recently, will be determined on the notion of ‘Who wants it more’, Fleming expressed it was too early in the season for such a dramatic outlook.
“I think ‘Who wants it more’ is a bit dramatic,” the former New Zealand skipper began.
“I think it is just which team copes the pressure better,” he clarified.
Fleming opined that with just one game completed, teams are still exploring their best playing combinations and are trying to optimise their ideal composition to boost the teams’ cohesion.
“It is still very early in the completion so there are combinations being worked out and still the quest for cohesion in the teams being worked on,” the chief coach of the five-time title-winning side elucidated.
Chennai picked up a 6-wicket win over RCB to open the tournament in front of their passionate fan base at home and will look to extend their early winning run to settle in well in the ongoing season of the T20 spectacle.
“It is nice to win the early games, but there is a lot going on in regards to settling in the competition,” he explained.
“Both teams will be happy to win tomorrow certainly,” he affirmed.
“The last game was an end-to-end affair and we are very happy to have picked up the win against RCB. To have a win first up is good and boosts confidence,” he revealed.
Fleming expressed strong belief in the fact that the result of the game will hinge on which team manages to come out on top in the crucial moments.
“Winning the key moments tomorrow and playing their key players well will be a big part,” the 50-year-old concluded.
The clash between CSK and GT is scheduled to get underway at the hallowed Chepauk ground in Chennai on the 26th of March at 1930 IST.
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