Stephen Fleming support Suresh Raina: On Thursday, MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad to qualify for the playoffs. However, even in this match, Suresh Raina, popularly known as Mr IPL, did not play. Raina has been consistently struggling with poor form in IPL 2021. Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming has supported him saying he is sure Raina will do well in the upcoming tournament matches.
Three-time IPL winner Chennai Super Kings have 18 points from 11 matches. However, Raina's form is a matter of concern for the team. Raina had scored 54 off 36 balls against Delhi Capitals in early IPL 2021, but since then he has crossed the 20-run mark only once in 9 innings. Raina has scored just 157 runs in 11 innings in IPL 2021 so far.
Chennai head coach Stephen Fleming said, "His role for us is clear. He has time and it's just about the right time that when the batsman is able to score. We understand the value of his experience and know he can play in the middle order. This is a department where we need strength. Raina is an experienced player. I hope the tournament's progress will improve his performance."
The head coach said that with the IPL reaching the playoffs soon, Chennai has an opportunity to manage the workload of the players, but the team is not going to change much. "The speed can be as fast as you have," he said. We are not talking about this. But we have a chance to manage the workload." Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings will now face Rajasthan Royals on Saturday.