It's Been A Directive From Stephen Fleming To Keep Pushing Game Forward: Michael Hussey

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have kicked off the Indian Premier League 2024 season with the same aggressive approach that propelled them to success last year. They defeated the Gujarat Titans by 63 runs in a rather one-sided encounter. After the game, batting coach Michael Hussey provided insights into the team's mindset, emphasising their commitment to pushing the game forward. The start of Chennai Super Kings' transition has been smooth, with Ruturaj Gaikwad leading the team to back-to-back wins in IPL 2024 after MS Dhoni handed over the captaincy to him. Gaikwad has been rifling through fielding changes, working closely with his predecessor Dhoni on the field and head coach Stephen Fleming off it. CSK's batting coach, Michael Hussey, is pleased with how Gaikwad has managed the team so far. Batting depth all the way down to No.10 and the Impact Player rule has contributed to CSK's batting department with supreme aggression and aiming for above-par totals.

Aggressive approach is the CSK way, says Michael Hussey

CSK batting coach Michael Hussey said the team management wouldn't criticise players who get dismissed while adopting an aggressive approach. CSK's batting prowess was evident last year, with Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad going berserk in the Power Play overs. The team's middle-order hitters, including Shivam Dube and Ajinkya Rahane, capitalised on the solid start, playing high-risk cricket with confidence.

"It's definitely been a directive from Fleming to keep pushing the game forward. So, because we've got so much depth in our resources there, it means the players up the order [aren't] in two minds, take the positive route, and they'll certainly have the backing from the coaches and the captain that we'd prefer you to keep trying to push the game forward. If you get out while doing so, that's fine. You'll never be criticised for that. Flem's talk is about playing fast. We want to keep playing fast," Michael Hussey said.

CSK doesn't usually rush rookies into action, but team management was so impressed with Sameer Rizvi's raw power during the pre-season camp that they immediately threw him into the mix. The shift in CSK's batting strategy stems from the introduction of the impact player rule, which provides teams with additional resources. With MS Dhoni batting at number eight, CSK boasts exceptional depth in its lineup, allowing top-order batters to adopt a positive approach without fear of failure.

"Well, he's [Rizvi] got a lot of natural ability and natural hitting ability. We've seen it at practice, you know, especially against the spinners. I mean, he can hit a long way, and he can hit the ball very cleanly. I think we've got MSD at No.8. Which is crazy, you know, like, and MSD is batting really well at the moment as well," Hussey added.

The defending champions will return to action in IPL 2024 against Delhi Capitals at their adopted home, Dr Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on Sunday, March 31. Before taking on CSK, DC will face RR at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on March 28.