We will try to replicate success of opening decade, says Head Coach Fleming

“We will try and recreate some of the success that CSK had in the first eight years,” the affable Kiwi told the official website on Tuesday. “Everything is very familiar... right back to the first hotel where we formed our friendships and got a lot of success as a team. 10 years on there is a lot of history,” added the 44-year-old.

The former New Zealand skipper turned out as a player for CSK in the opening season before taking over as coach and combined with skipper MS Dhoni to guide the Lions to two IPL crowns and as many Champions League titles.

“Chennai and CSK has been a big part of his career,” Fleming said about the talismanic skipper. “And his determination now to recreate what was very special for us in the first eight years is high on his motivation. A great player to be involved with, we do have a good relationship born out of the time together, successes and experiences as well.” 

CSK will take on archrivals Mumbai Indians in a high-octane tournament opener at the Wankhede Stadium on April 7. 

“We are looking forward to it already. It’s been the venue for some great clashes between the Yellow and Blue shirt,” Fleming stated. 

“It’s a great way to get a benchmark, the way your side’s going to be. It’s better to start the tournament that way although some might say it’s better to ease into a tournament,” he continued.

Speaking about the squad, he said, “The focus (at the auction) was to get the balance required and we really like the continuation of relationships over the years that helped in the development of the team. 

“CSK has gone on to do great things and we value that. The return of Murali Vijay is a good example that we value experience. 

“It’s obviously a balanced side, a good mix of experience and young players who are coming through. Be it Harbhajan Singh and Shane Watson or Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar. 

“There is a lot of all-round skills in the side and a lot of options, some great spinning options, pace options and a very good batting line-up. We have all three facets of the game covered.” 

On the bowling department, he further said, “Spin is the key. If you look at our side we are very strong in spin bowling skill sets and we have also put a lot of faith in young Indian pace bowlers. And we have also got Lungi Ngidi and Mark Wood for that bit of extra pace depending on the conditions.”