The unluckiest franchise in the current season of the Indian Premier League, the Rising Pune Supergiants, has not had much go their way this year.
With just three wins in 10 games, Dhoni’s team have all but lost their chance of qualification in the competition this season and will play their first home game at Vishakhapatnam in an inconsequential encounter.
The coach of the franchise, Steven Fleming, spoke to the media ahead of their game on Tuesday and felt that it was important for the team to take positives from the games.
He pointed out that his team lost 4 games in the final over and that the number of injuries to key players meant that they were struggling throughout the season.
“It’s been frustrating, we are still competing in games we have had four last-over games which I think is important.”
“Even with the injuries and the challenges we have had, we are still in the fight and that’s with a lot of the top teams,” the former New Zealand opener said talking to the media.
With the likes of Kevin Pietersen, Steve Smith, Mitchell Marsh and Faf du Plessis all leaving the club due to injuries, the Supergiants hardly have a chance of qualification.
They need to win all their remaining fixture and need most games to go their way but the coach was more than positive about his team’s chances.
“I guess we are still quite clinging on to the fact that if we could put four games together and get across the line in a couple then we are an outside chance to get through to the semi-finals.”
“I have been in this situation before and got through, and I still believe we can have a go,” he added.
Fleming also felt that his team have not been able to put in consistent performances and that he needed the bowling and the batting departments to click together to get back into the competition.
“When the bowling’s been good, our batting has been a little bit off. If our batting has been good, then we’ve struggled to defend scores. So, what we’re looking for is to try and combine the two together,” the 43-year old said.
The RPS coach was also full of praises for SRH superstar Mustafizur Rahman. He felt that it was important for his side to negate his effect and felt bad that Steve Smith, who looked comfortable against the youngster is not available due to injury.
He said, “I have to first acknowledge he’s [Mustafizur] very good, isn’t he? He’s been a breath of fresh air with his skills that he’s brought to the game.”
He’s one of the threats that we have to combat tomorrow if we’re going to win,” he added.
In what looked like another blow for the Supergiants, MS Dhoni was reportedly not fit enough for this game but Fleming dismissed all rumors and revealed that the Indian skipper will take his place on the field at Vishakhapatnam against SRH.
“He’s (Dhoni) got a sore back and he’s had that for some time. His hamstring is a little tight as well. He’s just working through those. It’s wear and tear, more than anything. But he’ll be fine,” Fleming said bringing smiles to the faces of many fans across the world.