The first game is always a challenge and it sets the tone: Stephen Fleming

Asked whether there was concern of fatigue, Fleming was quick to dismiss the notion. (Source: PTI)

Injuries seem to be a permanent companion of India discard Irfan Pathan as the Baroda all-rounder has again reported unfit even before the ball has started rolling for Chennai Super Kings, who will be taking on Delhi Daredevils in their opening IPL encounter.

Pathan, who was bought by CSK was training for the past few days, has again sustained an injury and chief coach Stephen Fleming confirmed that the left-arm seamer will not be available for selection against Daredevils.

“Irfan Pathan is not fit. Another pacer Andrew Tye is also carrying an injury. They won’t be considered for selection at this stage. Their progress will be assessed on a day to day basis,” Fleming confirmed at the pre-match media conference.

Pathan has had various injuries ranging from hamstring, knee, calf muscle etc and the list is endless.

On a lighter note, Fleming was asked about another veteran left-armer Ashish Nehra and the coach had a lot of good words about the former India player.

“We have a trend reviving older players. Nehra still has some life left. People focus on youth. But I like experience. Nehra and Hussey are key components in our side. The knowledge they can pass on is immense. The MS Dhoni and Raina factor will be crucial. I like their work and attitude.”

Talking about seamers in the team, Fleming stressed on the need to rotate the players.

“The pacers in our squad is quite well rested. Only Mohit Sharma has had a full campaign. It’s the same with the overseas seamers. They didn’t have a full campaign. But this being a demanding tournament, we need to rotate them and keep them fresh.”

It will be Fleming’s seventh year as CSK coach and as usual there are some nervous jitters before the first ball is bowled.

“The first game is always a challenge and it sets the tone. If you play well, it is a bonus.”

The former New Zealand captain was all praise for Daredevils coach Gary Kirsten and captain JP Duminy.

“Delhi is a new side. So getting to know each other might take some time. But then that doesn’t mean we can take them lightly. I rate Gary Kirsten very highly. His man-management skills are brilliant. JP Duminy is also quite a good captain. They have plenty of experience in their side.

“It depends on what team they put up. But we will certainly prepare for the challenge. The first game is always a challenge and it sets the tone. If you play well, it is a bonus,” Fleming added.

On the Chepauk wicket, the coach said,”It’s a new wicket but it looks good. Since we didn’t play on it. We are not exactly sure how it would play. We would need at least two games to understand the characteristics of the pitch.”

Fleming also reiterated that his team has not been affected much in the aftermath of IPL spot-fixing scandal that rocked Indian cricket two seasons ago.

“The players were mainly unaffected. There were times that there has been controversy but players have somewhat remained insulated from it. It was two years ago. It is certainly not an issue for me and it is not something that I will sit down and retrace.

“We have answered questions on that last year itself. I am very happy with the direction that the franchise is going,” Fleming gave a direct answer to the query.

The coach admitted that it is difficult for someone as talented as Baba Aparajith to warm the bench season after season although he might get a look in this year.

“It is difficult to keep them motivated. Especially for someone like Baba Aparajith. He is possibly one of the talented youngsters we have. He has the ability to change the complexion of the game.

“I have been talking to him for the last couple of days. Hopefully, he will get an opportunity soon enough to prove his calibre. He has been batting with Mike Hussey for the last four days and I am sure he has been picking his brain,” the coach seemed hopeful.

Asked whether there was concern of fatigue, Fleming was quick to dismiss the notion.

“I was more concerned during the 2011 World Cup. I was concerned at what stage the Indian players would come back and how to motivate them in the IPL. This time there is no concern as such. It does take a bit of reconnecting. Brendon, obviously, played the IPL. But I think the players are all professionals and they know what they have to do.”

Source:: Indian Express