Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming admitted that Seamer Deepak Chahar's latest injury “doesn't look good” but he is hoping for a positive report from the franchise's medical team ahead of the business phase of the ongoing IPL. While Fleming did not divulge any details about Chahar's fresh injury, the 31-year-old seamer was seen completing his run-up in just the second ball of the Punjab Kings chase on Wednesday evening. It could be a possible hamstring injury as after a discussion with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and the physio, Chahar walked off the ground with his hamstring and did not bowl further in the match.
Chahar's career has been marred by injuries in recent years, costing him a regular spot in the Indian team.
“Yes, the trip report is quite busy. There are a lot of ins and outs. So Deepak Chahar doesn't look good,” Fleming said at the post-match press conference.
“The first feeling was not great. So I hope for a more positive report when the physiotherapist and the doctor take a look.” Chahar's injury somewhat forced Gaikwad to bring in Shivam Dube for an over, who has mainly been used as a batsman this season.
But Dube went for 14 in the only over he bowled, and Fleming admitted that with the Impact Player rule, Dube is not suited for the role in the IPL and will have his chances in the right circumstances.
“He (Dube) is ready to bowl and is working hard at it. He will play a role in the right circumstances, and with the Impact Player rule we have players who can fit into the role better. Currently his need to bowling Quite small,” said the coach.
CSK suffered a seven-wicket defeat to PBKS, their second defeat at home this season, at a paltry 162 for 7, which was comfortably chased down with 13 balls to spare.
Speaking about the demanding wicket at Chepauk, Fleming said: “It is difficult, and we have spoken here before about the unpredictability of the wickets. Batting first makes it difficult for us to judge what a good competitive score is.
“We had a couple of 200s (earlier), which we were thinking about today. But the wicket was very sticky.
“We also had a good start in the (first) six overs before things got tough. We also tried a few left-handers in the form of Dube and (Ravindra) Jadeja but we just couldn't get anything through the middle. They really bowled Well, they had a good buy and held it. We just got throttled down the middle, which prevented us from getting a score of 180,” he said.
With a low score to defend, Fleming was impressed by the effort and performance of England pacer Richard Gleeson, who made his debut last night.
“Richard Gleeson was good, and it was positive. Losing Fizz (Mustafizur Rahman) is disappointing.
“Tushar (Deshpande) also has a bit of flu. So we've had to make a few changes, which is unusual. Again, that's part of it, and we have the resources,” he said.
“They just haven't had the playing time to really feel comfortable with their roles and us to feel comfortable with a game plan, which we're struggling with a little bit.” Although experienced opener Ajinkya Rahane managed to reach double figures after a lean phase in the last four matches, he could not last longer than a 24-ball 29.
“I thought he (Rahane) was good today. He's probably been a bit too aggressive in what he wants to do,” Fleming noted.
“Keep in mind that we are batting on wickets here that we don't know how they are going to play, so we have to pause for a moment to see what a good score is. If you are 3 for 30, the game is as good as over.
“His (Rahane) batting, which was so good last year, is brighter. It is not for lack of intention. He has doubled his intention. We are fine with Jinks and the role he is playing.”
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