News Analysis India

Tag: IPL

  • IPL could go back to 8 PM slot from 2023 after TV ratings take a hit this year

    Express News Service

    MUMBAI: With the outcome of the 7.30 PM games in the ongoing edition of the IPL more or less decided by the toss and television ratings taking a hit, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning to go back to 8 PM starts from the next edition. Although the board has mentioned this only as its ‘preferred timing’ to those who are bidding for the broadcast rights, it is understood that the franchises also want the matches to be pushed back.

    Right through this season where dew played a significant role in the early part of the tournament, teams preferred to field first as wet conditions made it difficult for bowlers to grip the ball in the second innings. Although the IPL usually started at 8 PM, in 2020 when the tournament was held in the UAE, the BCCI advanced it by half an hour. With viewership improving vastly, it continued with it even when the 2021 season began in India before moving to the Gulf. And with broadcasters too benefiting from the move, the BCCI stuck to it for the ongoing season too.

    However, as it happened during the UAE leg of the IPL 2021, teams have found the toss playing a significant role in the outcome. With next season set to be spread across the country and franchises set to benefit from gate collection, they too feel starting the matches at 8 PM would benefit them on and off the field.

    Moreover, the matches were advanced to 7.30 PM as the host broadcaster had been preferring an early start as viewership used to go down post 11 PM on weekdays. However, it has become a common theme for matches to go beyond 11:15 PM, with some going on till 11.40 in a season where not a single match has gone into the Super Over. And not to forget the fact that the television numbers have gone down this season compared to the previous two seasons.

    But analysts are not dwelling too much on the numbers this season as most of the other entertainment ventures like theatres are open because of a relaxation in lockdown guidelines. That wasn’t the case in the previous two campaigns. The addition of two new teams and the poor performances of Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings too have played a role this time.

    It is also understood that the IPL will stick to the same format next season too as it plans to increase the number of matches only from the 2024 season. The BCCI is holding discussions with the ICC to increase the IPL window so that top players from all the countries remain available throughout. While the possibility of extending it beyond the last week of May is all but ruled out as the English season would begin by then, should the format go back to 10 teams playing each other on a home and away basis, the season would start by mid-March. Although certain players may still be unavailable should there be an overlap, it would at least ensure they would be part of the IPL for the business end.

    Closing ceremony in Ahmedabad

    Oscar-winner AR Rahman and actor Ranveer Singh are among the host of celebrities set to perform at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on the day of the IPL final on May 29. With this being the 15th season of the IPL, the BCCI is planning to send invites to some of the greats. There are also indications that as part of the 75th year of Independence celebrations, the board will chronicle the journey of the Indian team. As a result of the closing ceremony, the final would begin at 8 pm.

    MUMBAI: With the outcome of the 7.30 PM games in the ongoing edition of the IPL more or less decided by the toss and television ratings taking a hit, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning to go back to 8 PM starts from the next edition. Although the board has mentioned this only as its ‘preferred timing’ to those who are bidding for the broadcast rights, it is understood that the franchises also want the matches to be pushed back.

    Right through this season where dew played a significant role in the early part of the tournament, teams preferred to field first as wet conditions made it difficult for bowlers to grip the ball in the second innings. Although the IPL usually started at 8 PM, in 2020 when the tournament was held in the UAE, the BCCI advanced it by half an hour. With viewership improving vastly, it continued with it even when the 2021 season began in India before moving to the Gulf. And with broadcasters too benefiting from the move, the BCCI stuck to it for the ongoing season too.

    However, as it happened during the UAE leg of the IPL 2021, teams have found the toss playing a significant role in the outcome. With next season set to be spread across the country and franchises set to benefit from gate collection, they too feel starting the matches at 8 PM would benefit them on and off the field.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Moreover, the matches were advanced to 7.30 PM as the host broadcaster had been preferring an early start as viewership used to go down post 11 PM on weekdays. However, it has become a common theme for matches to go beyond 11:15 PM, with some going on till 11.40 in a season where not a single match has gone into the Super Over. And not to forget the fact that the television numbers have gone down this season compared to the previous two seasons.

    But analysts are not dwelling too much on the numbers this season as most of the other entertainment ventures like theatres are open because of a relaxation in lockdown guidelines. That wasn’t the case in the previous two campaigns. The addition of two new teams and the poor performances of Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings too have played a role this time.

    It is also understood that the IPL will stick to the same format next season too as it plans to increase the number of matches only from the 2024 season. The BCCI is holding discussions with the ICC to increase the IPL window so that top players from all the countries remain available throughout. While the possibility of extending it beyond the last week of May is all but ruled out as the English season would begin by then, should the format go back to 10 teams playing each other on a home and away basis, the season would start by mid-March. Although certain players may still be unavailable should there be an overlap, it would at least ensure they would be part of the IPL for the business end.

    Closing ceremony in Ahmedabad

    Oscar-winner AR Rahman and actor Ranveer Singh are among the host of celebrities set to perform at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on the day of the IPL final on May 29. With this being the 15th season of the IPL, the BCCI is planning to send invites to some of the greats. There are also indications that as part of the 75th year of Independence celebrations, the board will chronicle the journey of the Indian team. As a result of the closing ceremony, the final would begin at 8 pm.

  • KKR will invest in Rinku Singh in coming years: Brendon McCullum

    By PTI

    NAVI MUMBAI: Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Brendon McCullum says young batter Rinku Singh has been their find of the ongoing IPL season and the franchise will invest in him in the coming years.

    Rinku, who nearly pulled off an epic win with his breathtaking batting against Lucknow Super Giants here on Wednesday, earned high praise from McCullum.

    “Absolutely he (Rinku) sure has (been the find of the season). Rinku is a player who KKR will invest in, no doubt, over the next few years and we will see him really progress and may even challenge for higher honours in time,” McCullum, who is set to take over as England’s next Test head coach, said at the post-match press conference.

    Rinku, who scored 40 off just 15 balls, almost took his team to victory in their last league game against LSG at the DY Patil Stadium on Wednesday.

    He was dismissed on the penultimate ball following a stunning catch by Evan Lewis.

    The 24-year-Rinku, a left-handed batter and an off-break bowler, has been a revelation for KKR this season.

    Among others, he played a match-winning unbeaten knock of 42 against Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium.

    “Not too many people are able to bat in middle-order and sort of be able to try (and) pull games out of the fire like he (Rinku) has almost done for us on a couple of occasions this year. Just a great guy and (I) am really pleased for him.

    “I am heading in a different direction with the challenge of being able to coach England in front of me, but I will follow all KKR boys, particularly Rinku as well and all the guys I had to do fair bit in the last few years,” McCullum signed off.

    NAVI MUMBAI: Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Brendon McCullum says young batter Rinku Singh has been their find of the ongoing IPL season and the franchise will invest in him in the coming years.

    Rinku, who nearly pulled off an epic win with his breathtaking batting against Lucknow Super Giants here on Wednesday, earned high praise from McCullum.

    “Absolutely he (Rinku) sure has (been the find of the season). Rinku is a player who KKR will invest in, no doubt, over the next few years and we will see him really progress and may even challenge for higher honours in time,” McCullum, who is set to take over as England’s next Test head coach, said at the post-match press conference.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Rinku, who scored 40 off just 15 balls, almost took his team to victory in their last league game against LSG at the DY Patil Stadium on Wednesday.

    He was dismissed on the penultimate ball following a stunning catch by Evan Lewis.

    The 24-year-Rinku, a left-handed batter and an off-break bowler, has been a revelation for KKR this season.

    Among others, he played a match-winning unbeaten knock of 42 against Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium.

    “Not too many people are able to bat in middle-order and sort of be able to try (and) pull games out of the fire like he (Rinku) has almost done for us on a couple of occasions this year. Just a great guy and (I) am really pleased for him.

    “I am heading in a different direction with the challenge of being able to coach England in front of me, but I will follow all KKR boys, particularly Rinku as well and all the guys I had to do fair bit in the last few years,” McCullum signed off.

  • KKR will invest in Rinku Singh in coming years: Brendon McCullum

    By PTI

    NAVI MUMBAI: Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Brendon McCullum says young batter Rinku Singh has been their find of the ongoing IPL season and the franchise will invest in him in the coming years.

    Rinku, who nearly pulled off an epic win with his breathtaking batting against Lucknow Super Giants here on Wednesday, earned high praise from McCullum.

    “Absolutely he (Rinku) sure has (been the find of the season). Rinku is a player who KKR will invest in, no doubt, over the next few years and we will see him really progress and may even challenge for higher honours in time,” McCullum, who is set to take over as England’s next Test head coach, said at the post-match press conference.

    Rinku, who scored 40 off just 15 balls, almost took his team to victory in their last league game against LSG at the DY Patil Stadium on Wednesday.

    He was dismissed on the penultimate ball following a stunning catch by Evan Lewis.

    The 24-year-Rinku, a left-handed batter and an off-break bowler, has been a revelation for KKR this season.

    Among others, he played a match-winning unbeaten knock of 42 against Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium.

    “Not too many people are able to bat in middle-order and sort of be able to try (and) pull games out of the fire like he (Rinku) has almost done for us on a couple of occasions this year. Just a great guy and (I) am really pleased for him.

    “I am heading in a different direction with the challenge of being able to coach England in front of me, but I will follow all KKR boys, particularly Rinku as well and all the guys I had to do fair bit in the last few years,” McCullum signed off.

  • I get a buzz out of fielding: Delhi Capitals opener David Warner

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Delhi Capitals’ swashbuckling opener David Warner says he gets “a buzz” out of his fielding.

    Warner may have got out for a golden duck in the team’s previous IPL match against Punjab Kings, but he made vital contributions in the field.

    When asked about his outstanding fielding, Warner said, “There are two facets of the game for me – batting and fielding. I look to stop ones in the ring and take some catches near the boundary. Fortunately, I got one and it was a great result for us. I get a buzz out of fielding and I try to save runs for the bowlers.”

    Delhi Capitals broke into the top four in the standings after registering a 17-run victory over Punjab Kings on Monday.

    Speaking about their performance, the Australian said, “The team has a never say die attitude. We are fighters and we play to the best of our abilities, whether it’s with the ball or bat. There’s a hunger and desire to help each other out as we care for each other.”

    Sarfaraz Khan, who played a blistering knock of 32 runs from 16 balls, said he enjoyed the role of an opener.

    “I had never opened before the game against Punjab Kings so I was looking to enjoy the position. Before I got this opportunity, I had a feeling that I could bat well as an opener and things went according to plan against Punjab,” Sarfaraz said.

    The batter also motivated the team after their batting innings.

    “I wouldn’t have been happy if my innings wouldn’t have helped the team win. The environment within the team is good and we have to play well in one more game to qualify for the playoffs.

    “I was telling everyone in the team after our batting that it’s only a matter of one wicket. If we get one wicket then we’ll be in the game and we kept picking up wickets throughout Punjab’s innings.

    Sarfaraz also spoke about his father’s impact on his cricket career.

    “The credit goes to my father for whatever I am today. He has driven from Mumbai to Uttar Pradesh to take me for games along the way. We made stops in various places such as Madhya Pradesh, Ghaziabad, Mathura and Delhi so that I could play matches and my father has driven around 2500 km for me.”

    The Delhi Capitals will take on Mumbai Indians in their last league match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.

  • I get a buzz out of fielding: Delhi Capitals opener David Warner

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Delhi Capitals’ swashbuckling opener David Warner says he gets “a buzz” out of his fielding.

    Warner may have got out for a golden duck in the team’s previous IPL match against Punjab Kings, but he made vital contributions in the field.

    When asked about his outstanding fielding, Warner said, “There are two facets of the game for me – batting and fielding. I look to stop ones in the ring and take some catches near the boundary. Fortunately, I got one and it was a great result for us. I get a buzz out of fielding and I try to save runs for the bowlers.”

    Delhi Capitals broke into the top four in the standings after registering a 17-run victory over Punjab Kings on Monday.

    Speaking about their performance, the Australian said, “The team has a never say die attitude. We are fighters and we play to the best of our abilities, whether it’s with the ball or bat. There’s a hunger and desire to help each other out as we care for each other.”

    Sarfaraz Khan, who played a blistering knock of 32 runs from 16 balls, said he enjoyed the role of an opener.

    “I had never opened before the game against Punjab Kings so I was looking to enjoy the position. Before I got this opportunity, I had a feeling that I could bat well as an opener and things went according to plan against Punjab,” Sarfaraz said.

    The batter also motivated the team after their batting innings.

    “I wouldn’t have been happy if my innings wouldn’t have helped the team win. The environment within the team is good and we have to play well in one more game to qualify for the playoffs.

    “I was telling everyone in the team after our batting that it’s only a matter of one wicket. If we get one wicket then we’ll be in the game and we kept picking up wickets throughout Punjab’s innings.

    Sarfaraz also spoke about his father’s impact on his cricket career.

    “The credit goes to my father for whatever I am today. He has driven from Mumbai to Uttar Pradesh to take me for games along the way. We made stops in various places such as Madhya Pradesh, Ghaziabad, Mathura and Delhi so that I could play matches and my father has driven around 2500 km for me.”

    The Delhi Capitals will take on Mumbai Indians in their last league match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.

    MUMBAI: Delhi Capitals’ swashbuckling opener David Warner says he gets “a buzz” out of his fielding.

    Warner may have got out for a golden duck in the team’s previous IPL match against Punjab Kings, but he made vital contributions in the field.

    When asked about his outstanding fielding, Warner said, “There are two facets of the game for me – batting and fielding. I look to stop ones in the ring and take some catches near the boundary. Fortunately, I got one and it was a great result for us. I get a buzz out of fielding and I try to save runs for the bowlers.”googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Delhi Capitals broke into the top four in the standings after registering a 17-run victory over Punjab Kings on Monday.

    Speaking about their performance, the Australian said, “The team has a never say die attitude. We are fighters and we play to the best of our abilities, whether it’s with the ball or bat. There’s a hunger and desire to help each other out as we care for each other.”

    Sarfaraz Khan, who played a blistering knock of 32 runs from 16 balls, said he enjoyed the role of an opener.

    “I had never opened before the game against Punjab Kings so I was looking to enjoy the position. Before I got this opportunity, I had a feeling that I could bat well as an opener and things went according to plan against Punjab,” Sarfaraz said.

    The batter also motivated the team after their batting innings.

    “I wouldn’t have been happy if my innings wouldn’t have helped the team win. The environment within the team is good and we have to play well in one more game to qualify for the playoffs.

    “I was telling everyone in the team after our batting that it’s only a matter of one wicket. If we get one wicket then we’ll be in the game and we kept picking up wickets throughout Punjab’s innings.

    Sarfaraz also spoke about his father’s impact on his cricket career.

    “The credit goes to my father for whatever I am today. He has driven from Mumbai to Uttar Pradesh to take me for games along the way. We made stops in various places such as Madhya Pradesh, Ghaziabad, Mathura and Delhi so that I could play matches and my father has driven around 2500 km for me.”

    The Delhi Capitals will take on Mumbai Indians in their last league match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.

  • Hamstring injury rules out Ajinkya Rahane from remainder of IPL

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Kolkata Knight Riders batter Ajinkya Rahane has been ruled out of the remainder of the IPL, owing to a hamstring injury, the franchise said on Tuesday.

    In an official announcement posted on its Twitter handle, KKR said, “Ajinkya Rahane is going to miss the remaining games of #IPL2022 due to a hamstring injury. Wish you a speedy recovery @ajinkyarahane88. The knights camp will miss you.”

    Rahane had undergone scans, which revealed that he had torn his tendon.

    In a video posted in the same tweet, Rahane said, “I really enjoyed my time on and off the field with everyone. (I) Learnt a lot as a cricketer; about life; about everything. I will definitely come back stronger next year and I am sure we will do well as a team in the next game and hopefully we will go to Kolkata and the play-offs.”

    Kolkata will take on Lucknow Super Giants in their final league match at the DY Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai.

    With seven losses and six wins, KKR are placed at the sixth spot with 12 points and they will not only have to win but do it with a big margin and then hope that other results go their way to salvage any hope of sneaking into the knockout stage.

  • Hamstring injury rules out Ajinkya Rahane from remainder of IPL

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Kolkata Knight Riders batter Ajinkya Rahane has been ruled out of the remainder of the IPL, owing to a hamstring injury, the franchise said on Tuesday.

    In an official announcement posted on its Twitter handle, KKR said, “Ajinkya Rahane is going to miss the remaining games of #IPL2022 due to a hamstring injury. Wish you a speedy recovery @ajinkyarahane88. The knights camp will miss you.”

    Rahane had undergone scans, which revealed that he had torn his tendon.

    In a video posted in the same tweet, Rahane said, “I really enjoyed my time on and off the field with everyone. (I) Learnt a lot as a cricketer; about life; about everything. I will definitely come back stronger next year and I am sure we will do well as a team in the next game and hopefully we will go to Kolkata and the play-offs.”

    Kolkata will take on Lucknow Super Giants in their final league match at the DY Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai.

    With seven losses and six wins, KKR are placed at the sixth spot with 12 points and they will not only have to win but do it with a big margin and then hope that other results go their way to salvage any hope of sneaking into the knockout stage.

    MUMBAI: Kolkata Knight Riders batter Ajinkya Rahane has been ruled out of the remainder of the IPL, owing to a hamstring injury, the franchise said on Tuesday.

    In an official announcement posted on its Twitter handle, KKR said, “Ajinkya Rahane is going to miss the remaining games of #IPL2022 due to a hamstring injury. Wish you a speedy recovery @ajinkyarahane88. The knights camp will miss you.”

    Rahane had undergone scans, which revealed that he had torn his tendon.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    In a video posted in the same tweet, Rahane said, “I really enjoyed my time on and off the field with everyone. (I) Learnt a lot as a cricketer; about life; about everything. I will definitely come back stronger next year and I am sure we will do well as a team in the next game and hopefully we will go to Kolkata and the play-offs.”

    Kolkata will take on Lucknow Super Giants in their final league match at the DY Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai.

    With seven losses and six wins, KKR are placed at the sixth spot with 12 points and they will not only have to win but do it with a big margin and then hope that other results go their way to salvage any hope of sneaking into the knockout stage.

  • Shimron Hetmyer returns, likely to be available for Rajasthan Royals’ game against Chennai Super Kings

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Rajasthan Royals batter Shimron Hetmyer, who had flown to Guyana for the birth of his first child, has rejoined the squad and is likely to be available for the side’s final league match on Friday.

    The big-hitting West Indian had flown to Guyana for the birth of his son on May 8, missing the matches against Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants.

    “Hetmyer is back and is currently in quarantine,” an IPL source told PTI.

    The Royals, who sit second on the points table, are on course for a top two finish after they defeated Lucknow Super Giants by 24 runs.

    They take on Chennai Super Kings in their final league-stage game on Friday.

    The-25-year-old Hetmyer, who was bought by the Royals for Rs 8.5 crore in the auction, has been a vital cog for the former champions this season.

    He has managed 291 runs from eleven appearances at a fantastic strike rate of 166.29 along with an impressive batting average of 72.75.

    MUMBAI: Rajasthan Royals batter Shimron Hetmyer, who had flown to Guyana for the birth of his first child, has rejoined the squad and is likely to be available for the side’s final league match on Friday.

    The big-hitting West Indian had flown to Guyana for the birth of his son on May 8, missing the matches against Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants.

    “Hetmyer is back and is currently in quarantine,” an IPL source told PTI.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The Royals, who sit second on the points table, are on course for a top two finish after they defeated Lucknow Super Giants by 24 runs.

    They take on Chennai Super Kings in their final league-stage game on Friday.

    The-25-year-old Hetmyer, who was bought by the Royals for Rs 8.5 crore in the auction, has been a vital cog for the former champions this season.

    He has managed 291 runs from eleven appearances at a fantastic strike rate of 166.29 along with an impressive batting average of 72.75.

  • Shimron Hetmyer returns, likely to be available for Rajasthan Royals’ game against Chennai Super Kings

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Rajasthan Royals batter Shimron Hetmyer, who had flown to Guyana for the birth of his first child, has rejoined the squad and is likely to be available for the side’s final league match on Friday.

    The big-hitting West Indian had flown to Guyana for the birth of his son on May 8, missing the matches against Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants.

    “Hetmyer is back and is currently in quarantine,” an IPL source told PTI.

    The Royals, who sit second on the points table, are on course for a top two finish after they defeated Lucknow Super Giants by 24 runs.

    They take on Chennai Super Kings in their final league-stage game on Friday.

    The-25-year-old Hetmyer, who was bought by the Royals for Rs 8.5 crore in the auction, has been a vital cog for the former champions this season.

    He has managed 291 runs from eleven appearances at a fantastic strike rate of 166.29 along with an impressive batting average of 72.75.

  • CSK coach Stephen Fleming predicts a bright future for Pathirana after fruitful debut vs Gujarat Titans

    By IANS

    MUMBAI: Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming has predicted a bright future for young Sri Lankan pace bowler Matheesha Pathirana for the franchise in the coming years, after the 19-year-old grabbed two wickets in a losing cause for the four-time champions against Gujarat Titans at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.

    Pathirana bowled an economical spell while also taking the wickets of GT opener Shubman Gill and skipper Hardik Pandya to rattle them in the chase in his debut match for CSK. However, Wriddhiman Saha’s unbeaten half-century helped the IPL newcomers to a seven-wicket victory with five balls to spre.

    “Yeah, great. We were really looking forward to him playing and he has had success straightaway. He is very young, we know who the similarities he has with which are big shoes to fill. He had a great debut, and we are really pleased for him. It is a unique skill, and learning to coach how to use that is one of the challenges. It was great for him to get a game with us,” Fleming said.

    The head coach also added that the Super Kings know where they want to improve going into next year, and they will leave “no stone unturned” for IPL 2023.

    “We have got some jigsaw puzzles and we are just trying to fit them all together. It is not just about how a player will perform one day, it is the role that he does. We have got a view to where we want to get to, and where we need to improve for next year. We went through this two years ago, and we got it right. So, we are really working hard on trying to get the jigsaw pieces together.

    “There are some places that we probably need to fill as a lot of teams that don’t qualify have that same challenge. What we try and do is see what we have got right now and make sure that we have no stone unturned when we plan for next year,” said Fleming.

    Fleming added that the expansion of the IPL had provided more opportunities to youngsters to showcase their talent.

    “It has been good. The two new teams have allowed more youngsters to get more prominent roles, which I think is another great opportunity for Indian cricket to develop more talent. We have got a few, we have seen a few on show and we have introduced a few today. Our preference has been for more experience, but by no means do we not look for young players and young talent.

    “And, we are very happy with the guys that have played today and certainly happy with the guys we have in our squad.

    “The start of the three-year cycle is the time that you bring the young players in and then you make something out of them during those three years,” added Fleming.

    MUMBAI: Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming has predicted a bright future for young Sri Lankan pace bowler Matheesha Pathirana for the franchise in the coming years, after the 19-year-old grabbed two wickets in a losing cause for the four-time champions against Gujarat Titans at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.

    Pathirana bowled an economical spell while also taking the wickets of GT opener Shubman Gill and skipper Hardik Pandya to rattle them in the chase in his debut match for CSK. However, Wriddhiman Saha’s unbeaten half-century helped the IPL newcomers to a seven-wicket victory with five balls to spre.

    “Yeah, great. We were really looking forward to him playing and he has had success straightaway. He is very young, we know who the similarities he has with which are big shoes to fill. He had a great debut, and we are really pleased for him. It is a unique skill, and learning to coach how to use that is one of the challenges. It was great for him to get a game with us,” Fleming said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The head coach also added that the Super Kings know where they want to improve going into next year, and they will leave “no stone unturned” for IPL 2023.

    “We have got some jigsaw puzzles and we are just trying to fit them all together. It is not just about how a player will perform one day, it is the role that he does. We have got a view to where we want to get to, and where we need to improve for next year. We went through this two years ago, and we got it right. So, we are really working hard on trying to get the jigsaw pieces together.

    “There are some places that we probably need to fill as a lot of teams that don’t qualify have that same challenge. What we try and do is see what we have got right now and make sure that we have no stone unturned when we plan for next year,” said Fleming.

    Fleming added that the expansion of the IPL had provided more opportunities to youngsters to showcase their talent.

    “It has been good. The two new teams have allowed more youngsters to get more prominent roles, which I think is another great opportunity for Indian cricket to develop more talent. We have got a few, we have seen a few on show and we have introduced a few today. Our preference has been for more experience, but by no means do we not look for young players and young talent.

    “And, we are very happy with the guys that have played today and certainly happy with the guys we have in our squad.

    “The start of the three-year cycle is the time that you bring the young players in and then you make something out of them during those three years,” added Fleming.