Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming explains why Mumbai are their arch rivals

Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians clash is one of the most anticipated rivalries in the Indian Premier League.

As the stadium of Wankhede brace for the head-on encounter, chief coach of Chennai, Stephen Fleming has viewed it as a great challenge and has said that they couldn’t have wished for a better start.

“It’s hard to win in Mumbai just the way it is hard to beat us in Chennai. That’s one of the traits of any successful teams. They defend their home ground well,” Fleming asserted.

“It is a great challenge for us, we wouldn’t have wanted it any other way,” he added.

He also confirmed that South African captain Faf du Plessis would not be able to play in the opening match due to his finger injury.

Fleming also welcomed the introduction of Decision Review System in the IPL.

“If DRS is used properly, it is very positive. If it can help the game get the bad one right, then it would be a great thing,” he said.

Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings had last met in the final clash in 2015, where Mumbai Indians lifted the cup.

After that, the team of Chennai was suspended from the IPL for two years.

Also Read: Mumbai’s Predicted XI against Chennai

 Chennai Super Kings have included many old warhorses like Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Shane Watson and Dwayne Bravo in their squad.

“Experienced players play a major role in the tournament and that’s why I value experience,” Fleming said.

“There are only a few young players like Rashid Khan, Washington Sundar who have lived up to the expectations. Shane Watson, Bravo are still competing well. So the players we have picked, I don’t think we have made a mistake,” he added.

Talking about their preparations, he further said, “It’s a great rivalry and that’s exactly what we need in the competition. I think we are well prepared to go for it.”