IPL 2018: Hussey believes 'smart play' will make CSK team better on the field

What's the story?

Analysing the match against MI, the batting coach of CSK, Michael Hussey believes that there is a lot to improve in the fielding unit and the top 4 batsmen in the order.

"We're not going to be the most nimble or dynamic team in the field. But we can still be smart in the field. In the field, there is room for improvement and there are some key areas that we're focussing on, in particular, the movement. Even if the ball goes to one section of the ground, we want players in other sections moving into areas to help out," he said.

In case you didn't know...

The Chennai Super Kings locked horns with the defending champions Mumbai Indians on the 7th of April in Wankhede. With Bravo's explosions and Jadhav's heroics at the end of 2nd innings, the returning CSK clinched a breathtaking win in the last over.

The heart of the matter

A thorough believer of 'catches win matches', MS Dhoni was seemingly upset on the field at the lethargic behavior of the fielders. Once a formidable fielding team with Raina, McCullum, du Plessis and Jadeja preventing the ball to touch the 30-yard circle, was seen leaking crucial runs in the league opener.

After Bravo, with several heroic catches in his hood, was unable to stop boundaries, he was replaced by Raina on the boundary line. Fielding positions of players like Imran Tahir, Kedhar Jadhav, Shane Watson were experimented with through the game before the captain hesitantly placed Mark Wood at backward point.

Acknowledging the average age being 32 in the team, Hussey believes that that isn't a worrisome fact and that the experience brought to the game by these players is very important and will benefit from pressure conditions. Although the fearlessness of youth could be a bonus at times, he doesn't believe that a win or loss would depend on that.

Despite the 'huge hole to be filled after Jadhav's exit', Hussey affirmed that they have the necessary backup to cover it. He said that the first four batsmen need to take the onus of scoring the bulk of runs and that some good partnerships in the middle-order will add to their advantage.

What's next?

The Super Kings will take on the Kolkata Knight Riders in their first match at home after their return. The main focus, according to Hussey, will be the top 4 batsmen scoring the majority of the runs and the fielding unit being on their toes during the match.

Author's take

It is a pity to see the CSK team leak runs like they did in the match against MI, given their excellent records in previous seasons. A man who depends on fielders to win matches more than bowlers or batsmen, MS Dhoni would certainly make sure that the lethargy is put off.

It is a good thing that the management, after just one match, has already brought this into focus and is working towards it.