Mahendra Singh Dhoni called on his players to be more inspired and involved on the field after Chennai Super Kings were undone by an indisciplined effort in their IPL game against Kolkata Knight Riders.
On a tricky Eden Gardens surface on Thursday May 3, Dhoni’s 25-ball 43* lifted them to 177-5. However, a wayward display with the ball and on the part of the fielders cost them. Sunil Narine followed up his 2-20 with 32 off 20, making the most of the lives he got. Then, 2018 Under-19 World Cup star Shubman Gill brought up his maiden T20 half-century and combined with his captain Dinesh Karthik for an unbroken 83-run fifth-wicket stand off 36 balls to wrap up a six-wicket win.
Fleming agreed. “When the two youngsters were at the crease, we looked at it as a time to put pressure on them. But also the fearlessness of youth as well, where the game could go either way. Some of the shot-making is maybe a little bit predetermined to the impulsive, but it’s exciting to watch, isn’t it?
“I think as Gill’s innings got on, he got more composure and played well. It was his first real opportunity, he’s been batting down the order. He took that opportunity well today.”
