Consistency is the key, asserts Fleming

“Consistency is the key,” repeats Stephen Fleming as he explains the reason behind Chennai Super Kings’ performances spread over three seasons.

“No team can go on winning. Every team will lose games. But when we out each time, we try to create an opportunity to win. Last year, we peaked at the right time and won the title,” said the coach of Chennai Super Kings ahead of the Wednesday’s clash against Kings XI Punjab.

The former New Zealand captain admitted to the Chennai team feeling the pressure of being the defending champion.

“Yes. There is pressure. There should be pressure. It makes you work harder. Keep the flow going and keep getting the job done,” he said.

When asked about several teams using make-shift wicketkeepers in the competition, Fleming said, “It is good to have multi-skill players in the side. If players like Dilshan and AB de Villiers can do the job, it gives the team the option down the line. We are lucky to have a skipper (Dhoni) who keeps wickets and bats as only he can.”

On the close victory in the opening game for Chennai, Fleming said it was important to start with a win but quickly added that winning away games was no less vital.

Looking at the rival camp, Fleming said, “We know they must be desperate. In this format, it does not take much to change the fortunes. We all know how well Adam Gilchrist bats. He can single-handedly turn the match. So we are very realistic about what we have to do out there.”

Earlier, Gilchrist looked ahead to a “tough fight” on Wednesday.

“Chennai is a formidable side but in T20, anything can happen,” said the optimistic Aussie.

“In the first game (against Pune Warriors), we did not get going. We did put down a few catches. But the spirit in the team is good and we are all beginning to jell well,” he said.

On the possible inclusion of David Hussey, Gilchrist said, “It depends on how he feels on arriving here tonight. His inclusion adds to the off-spin option.

About the domestic players in the squad, Gilchrist said, he was pleased with their ‘’ability to perform” besides their “personality” and “behaviour.”