IPL 2018: Getting Ajinkya Rahane early key for Chennai Super Kings - Stephen Fleming

Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming has said getting Rajasthan Royals skipper Ajinkya Rahane holds the key for the team’s success in the upcoming IPL 2018 clash at the Sawai Mansingh stadium on Friday.

Speaking in the pre-match press conference, Fleming said, “We need to get him out early as he could be a very good influence at the top of the order. He’s a lot more attacking than what people think. Removing him means it opens up the opportunity to expose the middle order. If he plays well, it allows the likes of Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes and the hitters in the side a lot more freedom.”

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Not taking Royals lightly

Chennai Super Kings are second in the table while Rajasthan Royals are in sixth position and face a must-win situation in every game. When asked whether Chennai Super Kings will be taking their opponents lightly, Fleming was quick to brush aside the thought.

“Teams that are in a situation where they have to win games are uncomfortable and are dangerous. From our point of view, we have got to match the intensity that they brought to the last game. You can be in situation where you are scrapping around for the last couple of games of the round, so each game is pretty similar for us. We try to play with the top intensity that we can. There are no easy games in IPL,” Fleming said.

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Chahar in a great space

Deepak Chahar, who was ruled out of the last couple of games due to a hamstring injury, will head into the clash high on confidence, having not only recovered from the injury but also receiving a boost with a call-up to the India A side for the limited-overs series against England Lions and West Indies.

Fleming said the 25-year-old bowler was in a good space. “Chahar has been tracking very well. He’s at a very good stage right now, he’s where we want him to be. We’ll make more decisions after today,” Fleming said.