As Chennai Super Kings (CSK) gear up for their upcoming highly-anticipated IPL 2024 showdown against Mumbai Indians (MI), coach Stephen Fleming came out with a concerning news.
The clash between the two most successful teams of the IPL—the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI)—is set to take place at Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, April 14.
Ahead of the much-awaited game between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI), often dubbed 'El Clasico' of the IPL, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming revealed that their fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana might sit out the game due to a minor injury.
Matheesha Pathirana likely to miss MI vs CSK clash: Stephen Fleming
Stephen Fleming revealed said at the pre-match press conference ahead of the MI vs CSK game: “It (Pathirana's niggle) was not as bad as what we had thought, so we are very hopeful that if not tomorrow, then very close. We know the importance of him in games like this, but we will make sure he is 100 percent in this form.”
Currently, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) sit comfortably in third place in the IPL 2024 points table with 6 points, having secured three wins of their 5 outings so far in the tournament. Chennai is coming into the game after their massive seven-win over the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Meanwhile, the Mumbai Indians (MI) have been gradually finding their form in the ongoing cash-rich league, winning their last two matches following three initial setbacks, and now they are placed seventh in the points table. They are also coming into the MI vs. CSK game after their 7-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the ongoing IPL 2024.
Well, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) have so far gone head-to-head in 36 games in the IPL, where CSK emerged victorious in 16 games while MI won 20 matches. Now, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in this IPL rivalry.
There is no difference between Rituraj Gaikwad and MS Dhoni
Meanwhile, the CSK coach also lauded the new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, comparing him to legendary MS Dhoni by saying he's "cut from the same cloth." Fleming stated: “There is no difference (between Gaikwad and Dhoni). He is as cool as it gets. I know the last captain was pretty cool. But this guy is cut from the same cloth, so that is rubbed through.”
On the other hand, Fleming also defended Gaikwad amidst growing criticism over his strike rate in the ongoing IPL 2024, where the CSK skipper has so far amassed 155 runs at an average of 38.75 and a strike rate of 117.42.
The coach said that Gaikwad is an impressive young player around his game and what he needs to do, and he has been unfairly targeted for the slow strike rate. He also admitted the challenges of statistical analysis in cricket, comparing it to a "Bollywood movie" at times.
Fleming signed off by saying, “The last game (CSK vs KKR) was a great example of how a leader plays, and there is class as well. I have absolutely no doubt about Ruturaj.”
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