As CSK began the 2024 season with the same aggressive mindset that they concluded the 2023 season with, batting coach Michael Hussey provided a glimpse into their mentality. Hussey declared, “It’s definitely been a directive from Fleming to keep pushing the game forward,” following CSK’s lopsided 206/6 home victory over Gujarat Titans by 63 runs.
Following a dismal season in 2022, they decided to change their batting strategy at the same time that the impact player rule was implemented, giving every club an extra batter and bowler.
“It’s absurd that MSD is at position 8. Inquiring further into how this has altered the messaging sent to the top-order, Hussey stated, “MSD is batting pretty well at the moment as well. “Because we’ve got so much depth in resources, it means the players up the order, if they’re in sort of two minds, take the positive route and they’ll certainly have the backing from the coaches and the captain.”
Last season, CSK reaped immediate benefits from this strategy. Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad set the tone early, and the team’s PowerPlay strike rate of 9.35 was only surpassed by the Rajasthan Royals (9.40). In order to maintain the flying start, CSK planned to use designated spinners like Shivam Dube and Ajinkya Rahane to soar even higher during the middle overs. There was little doubt that the hitters, operating without the benefit of a fielding limitation, would play high-risk cricket.
“We would rather you attempt to advance the game as far as you can; if you make mistakes in the process, that’s okay; you won’t ever face criticism for it. Flem talks a lot about playing quickly,” Hussey remarked.
Since joining CSK recently, Rachin Ravindra—who will stand in for Conway until May—has assiduously assimilated into this culture of risk-taking. He crushed a 15-ball 37 against the Royals by dismissing the speed trio of Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal, and Alzarri Joseph. Before losing to Rashid for a 20-ball 46 against GT, he was quite destructive in the PowerPlay against Azmatullah Omarzai and Umesh Yadav.
He’s off to a terrific start. It has been amazing to observe him. He just arrived, brimming with enthusiasm, wanting to absorb as much information as possible and improve the team dynamic,” Hussey remarked. He’s just having fun with it. He is attempting to learn as much as he can, and he also takes great pleasure in the large number of people in this place.
“I believe that after he made a few strong shots early on, his confidence just increased and he started to believe that, yes, he could perform on this stage. From there, he has grown.” Hussey continued, “I believe he’s gone out there with a clear mind and a nice positive attitude.”
