Dhoni hasn’t got a magic wand, he is he a soothsayer: Stephen Fleming

Although Dhoni’s impact will always be felt, he is not a soothsayer and does not possess a magic wand; if he had, he would have taken it out sooner.

On Monday, April 14 in Lucknow, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will play the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in an attempt to recover from five straight losses that have dropped them to the bottom of the standings. Prior to the match, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming admitted that the team’s chances would not be immediately improved by MS Dhoni return to captaincy after Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury.

The head coach of CSK stated that although Dhoni’s impact is still considerable, he cannot instantly alter the course of events.

The former Kiwi cricket player emphasised that in order to turn around their dismal performance, they must work together with the Indian mainstay. He also mentioned that both teams have had comparable difficult circumstances that need for concentrated effort.

“It’s a case of us working very hard along with Dhoni to turn it around and certainly in both of our cricketing careers, we’ve been in situations that require a lot of energy and we’ve got to make sure that the energy is put in the right place,” Fleming told reporters the night before the match against LSG, according to a report.

Player accountability and minor adjustments are required.

The 52-year-old acknowledged that the team’s lack of effort in the last game was very upsetting and stressed the need of making tiny improvements in all three areas of the game. Although there has been introspection, he continued, it is imperative that players take the initiative.

“I think the disappointing part of the last game, in particular, was the lack of competition we put up, and that hurt a lot. We have to look at it in small steps and just keep working to get better at all three facets really before you start competing.”

“There has undoubtedly been a great deal of introspection, but there has also been a great deal of work done on what we must do and how crucial it is that we perform in a way that reflects the proud franchise that we are. The former Kiwi cricket player stated, “There are many hurts that we can use as motivation, but it’s not about words; it’s about players seizing the moment, finding form, their groove, and almost shaking off any apprehension which can creep in.”

A balanced strategy in the face of power-hitting

The cricket player from Christchurch admitted that although six-hitting is necessary, the team does not only focus on it. He acknowledged the significance of talent and balance in cricket and voiced concern about the increasing fixation on power striking. He went on to say that the battle between bat and ball is what makes the game so beautiful.

“We do [discuss about the sixes], but it’s not everything. I know that power and six hitting are fascinating, but there are also a few teams who are performing well with excellent craft, and I would be devastated if we were to simply be in a baseball game and speak about sixes and fours.

“The fact that the bat and ball are still in balance makes the game so beautiful. Regarding his team’s ability to knock sixes, Stephen Fleming stated, “I just hope the balance can remain.” “Conditions play a big part, but there’s still room for craft, and you’re still seeing top-class players playing pivotal innings when it’s not flat like a road.”

Stopping Pooran crucial

The former Kiwi top-order batter said Nicholas Pooran is currently the world’s best and stopping him will be crucial to CSK’s chances.

“Yes, he (Nicholas Pooran) is very threatening. He’s the best player in the world at the moment by some distance – consistent, powerful and a real threat. To get him out and keep him in check will be a big part of winning the game tomorrow,” he added.