In the post-match press conference after their loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2020, Fleming didn’t look pleased when asked about the thinking behind sending Jadhav at No.5, ahead of Dhoni. CSK eventually fell short of the target of 165 by seven runs.

“Really? Is that a question?” retorted Fleming. “He is our No.4, Dhoni primarily is a middle to back-end player. Kedar Jadhav is our No.4, he plays dual roles, if we get off to a good start he might move down and let Dhoni up. If you lose early wickets then your No.4 batsman goes in, so you can’t keep …” he trailed off.

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'It's a question?!'
Here's what happened when Stephen Fleming was asked why Kedar Jadhav was sent into bat before MS Dhoni. #IPLhttps://t.co/NfNDsJ7Gy5 pic.twitter.com/Bd2NYss27w

— The Quint (@TheQuint) October 2, 2020

The loss to Sunrisers was CSK’s third defeat in four games of IPL 2020. They are languishing at the bottom of the points table with two points from their win in the opening game.

Jadhav has been under scrutiny for his continued presence in the middle order despite an extended lack of form: In his last 21 IPL innings, he has made more than 30 only once.

Fleming admitted that the pressure on Jadhav, as well as opener Shane Watson, had increased after a string of low scores. “Both Watson and Jadhav are looking for substantial contributions,” he said. “Shane can light the fuse at any stage and Kedhar the same. It’s just our fourth game so it’s pretty early in our cycle of form, but there is no doubt there is pressure and they will be feeling it more than what I am talking about.”