IPL Preview: CSK vs DD

IPL Preview: CSK vs DD[/b]

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Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming feels that Mahendra Singh Dhoni is good enough to continue as a captain for three years but the New Zealander is not sure whether he can continue playing all three formats for that long a time.

I haven’t spoken to him on this issue. He is in fine shape and if he is fit, he can continue to lead for at least good three to four years. Having said that, I don’t know how long he will be playing all three formats. It’s pretty hard as India have such a tight schedule, Fleming said. Fleming has been the coach of Chennai Super Kings for six seasons now and shares a great rapport with Dhoni. What I try to provide MS is with two months of enjoyment, so that he can come into Chennai side having taken a break from the Indian team. He loves his game and looks pretty comfortable man winning games for Chennai consistently, Fleming said. But for Fleming, who captained New Zealand close to a decade, feels that an international skipper has a shelf life of four years and beyond that can create some problems.

Look Dhoni and Graeme Smith have been exceptions but I feel that an international captain has a shelf life of four years. After that it is easier to get back as another normal cricketer. If you have been the leader for too long, then it becomes difficult once you leave the job. You tend to miss the decision making authority and stuffs like that. In fact, I faced the similar problems after I quit captaincy, he said.

Fleming feels that Dhoni’s low-key approach of leadership suits the Indian team well. Indians look for consistency and have a pattern. You don’t need too dynamic or too radical thought-process when you have players like Kohli, Dhoni, he said.

Delhi Daredevils appeared promising throughout their IPL career but are yet to add silverware in their trophy cabinet. Their title dreams were shattered after losing against Chennai Super Kings in the 2012 semi-final. The team is coached by former Indian coach Gary Kirsten alongside Eric Simons while Kevin Pietersen will lead the team this year. Following their worst-ever season last year, Delhi chose against retaining either of their players ahead of the 2014 auctions. The team spent a whopping Rs 60 crore to rebuild the team for IPL 7. Delhi will be seen without their mascot and former skipper Virender Sehwag for the first time in six years following his Rs 3.20-crore sale to Kings XI Punjab in the auctions this year. But, the team is still comprised of batting heavyweights including Kevin Pietersen, Dinesh Karthik, Quinton de Kock and Ross Taylor.

Team India's in-form seamer Mohammed Shami will spearhead Delhi's bowling attack this season while Jaydev Unadkat, Wayne Parnell and Jimmy Neesham will be seen in the supporting role. Also, the new signings of JP Duminy and Rahul Sharma alongside Shahbaz Nadeem will strengthen Delhi's spin-bowling this season.

After spending big at the auctions this year, Delhi Daredevils will be looking to turn it around this year especially after a tumultuous six-point season in 2013.

 
IPL Preview: Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Daredevils


The upcoming clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi Daredevils (DD) promises to be an exciting face-off in the Indian Premier League. Chennai Super Kings, led by the experienced Mahendra Singh Dhoni, have consistently been one of the most successful franchises in the tournament's history. In contrast, Delhi Daredevils enter the season seeking redemption after a disappointing 2013 campaign.


Chennai’s head coach Stephen Fleming believes Dhoni still has a few strong years left as captain, particularly in the IPL, even if continuing across all three international formats may be challenging due to India’s packed schedule. Fleming, having coached CSK for six seasons, emphasizes the importance of providing a stress-free and enjoyable environment for Dhoni, who continues to be a match-winner and a calming presence on the field.


The Chennai side boasts a balanced and experienced squad, with Dhoni at the helm and a support cast that includes established match-winners. The team relies on a consistent playing style and calculated leadership. According to Fleming, this low-key, dependable approach works well within the Indian team culture, where patterns and consistency are valued.


On the other hand, Delhi Daredevils come into the tournament with a completely revamped squad. After their poorest-ever season in 2013, where they finished with just six points, the franchise opted to rebuild from scratch, not retaining any players. Coached by Gary Kirsten and Eric Simons, and captained by Kevin Pietersen, Delhi spent over ₹60 crore in the 2014 auction to assemble a new squad.


Delhi's batting line-up features explosive talents such as Kevin Pietersen, Dinesh Karthik, Quinton de Kock, and Ross Taylor. This power-packed group has the ability to post big totals or chase down stiff targets with ease. In the bowling department, Mohammed Shami leads the pace attack, supported by Jaydev Unadkat, Wayne Parnell, and Jimmy Neesham. Spin duties will be handled by the likes of JP Duminy, Rahul Sharma, and Shahbaz Nadeem.


This match serves as a crucial test for Delhi’s new-look squad to prove their potential against a well-drilled Chennai unit. For CSK, the focus will be on maintaining their winning rhythm and using experience to outplay the fresh yet talented Delhi side. The contest between the two teams will not only showcase big names but also highlight the tactical acumen of seasoned coaches and captains.


The match is expected to draw strong viewership as fans look forward to whether Chennai can continue their dominance or if Delhi’s massive overhaul will finally bring the desired turnaround.​
 
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