Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming has admitted that seamer Deepak Chahar’s latest injury “doesn’t look good” but he expects 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 new injury, the 31-year-old seamer was seen taking his run off just the second ball of the Punjab Kings’ chase here on Wednesday night. It could be a possible hamstring injury as after speaking to captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and the physio, Chahar came off the ground holding his hamstring and did not bowl again in the match.
Chahar’s career has been plagued by injuries in recent years, which cost him a permanent place in the Indian team.
“Yes, the travelogue is quite busy. There are a lot of pros and cons. So Deepak Chahar doesn’t look good,” Fleming said during the post-match interview.
“The initial feeling was not good. So I’m hoping for a more positive report when the physio and doctor take a look.” Chahar’s injury forced Gaikwad to bring in Shivam Dube for an over, who has been mainly used as a batsman this season.
But Dube made 14 in the only over he bowled, and Fleming admitted that with the Impact Player rule, Dube is not fit for the role in the IPL and will get his chances in suitable conditions.
“He (Dube) is ready to pitch and is working hard at it. He will play a role in the right conditions and with the Impact Player rule we have players who can fit the role better. Currently his need to pitch is very small”, said the coach.
CSK suffered a seven-wicket defeat to PBKS, their second home defeat this season, managing a meager 162 for 7, which they were comfortably chased down with 13 balls to spare.
Speaking about the demanding wicket at Chepauk, Fleming said: “It’s difficult, and we’ve talked about the unpredictability of wickets here before. Batting first makes it difficult for us to judge what a good competitive result is.
“We had a couple of 200s (before), which was on our minds today. But the wicket was very sticky.
“We also had a good start in the (first) six overs before things got difficult. We also tried a few left-handers in the form of Dube and (Ravindra) Jadeja, but we just couldn’t get anything in the middle. Well, they got a good buy and held on, we were suffocated in the middle, which prevented us from getting 180 points,” he said.
With a low score to defend, Fleming was impressed with the commitment and performance of English pacer Richard Gleeson, who made his debut last night.
“Richard Gleeson was good and he was positive. Losing Fizz (Mustafizur Rahman) is disappointing.
“Tushar (Deshpande) also has a bit of flu. So we had to make some 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 we haven’t had the game time to feel comfortable with a game plan, which we’re struggling with a little bit.” Although veteran opener Ajinkya Rahane managed to reach double figures after a lean run in the last four games, he did not last beyond 24-ball 29s.
“I thought he (Rahane) was good today. He was probably a little too aggressive in what he wants to do,” Fleming noted.
“Keep in mind we are batting wickets here and we don’t know how they are going to play. So we need to take a little break to see what a good score is. If you get 3 for 30, the game is pretty much over.
“His (Rahane) batting, which was so good last year, is sharper. It’s not for lack of intention. He’s doubled the intention. We’re fine with Jinks and the role he plays.”
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