Stephen Fleming
Although Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) beat Mumbai Indians in their Indian Premier League opener at Pune on April 6, RPS coach Stephen Fleming felt that it will be a tough task to do a repeat against the charged up Mumbai outfit at Wankhede Stadium tonight.
After an initial loss in the tournament, the Rohit Sharma-led MI side bounced back to win six consecutive games. On the contrary, the Steven Smith-led Pune side managed to win only three of the six games they have played so far.
“Well, that means that they are due for a loss, isn’t it? That is a positive way of looking at it. The IPL is about confidence and they have been in some tricky situations. Even the score last night (Saturday) – 142 — one would say is below par, but Mumbai have been able to rise. (Mitchell) McClenaghan was excellent. (Kieron) Pollard was very good against RCB, which was probably another game that they should have lost. Mumbai have found a way to get things done, probably a sign of a good side. Someone stands up when the team is in trouble. They will be full of confidence, which will be difficult for us. We have the experience of beating them (in the first game) and if that is a positive, we will take it. Again, playing here in their stadium, it is a great occasion but it is a tough task,” said Pune coach Stephen Fleming yesterday.
The RPS coach doesn’t want to include an additional spinner in the playing squad just because MI’s Rohit is struggling against them. But at the same time, the former Kiwi skipper is open to the option. “We have got three leggies, Adam Zampa, Imran Tahir and Rahul Chahar. We have got a selection option, but we must be careful that we don’t pick a team just for one player,. But it will be considered. If we have any chance to get Rohit out cheaply, we’ll look at it,” said Fleming.
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