Chennai Super Kings not only came crashing down to earth, but was saddled with the ignominy of the season’s lowest total against Mumbai Indians on Sunday.
The thud of defeat, after a seven-match winning streak, should have shaken the two-time champion out of its stupor.
Such a setback should have chastened the team sufficiently as it gears up for its next encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Wednesday.
“Losing a game makes us look at ourselves. The defeat to Mumbai hurt. We are keen to bounce back, for our boys play with pride,” said CSK bowling coach Andy Bichel on the eve of the contest.
On expectations of CSK being ‘in the zone’ always, he said it was a draining tournament, suggesting there could be a drop in intensity or momentum.
Of his side’s prospects for the morrow, the former Aussie seamer hoped the previous defeat would make his side work harder.
Going by the current trend of teams turning home bases into fortresses, the host will be keen to continue its uninterrupted run of success here. “We are confident playing at home,” said Hyderabad coach Tom Moody, “for we’ve been executing our plans well.”
“It’s a challenging wicket. Our bowlers have done well, as have others too,” said the strapping Australian, adding it wasn’t as bad as it looks statistically, alluding to the low scores it has registered.
He preferred to play down things by saying preparations were no different from those for any match.
“It’s been thorough and every player is mentally and physically fit,” said Moody.
Prowess
CSK’s batting prowess is only too well-known with game-changers such as M.S. Dhoni and Mike Hussey capable of turning things their way in a matter of moments.
Across the fence, SRH’s bowling armoury looks primed for destruction. Going purely by sheer momentum and hazardous as hunches can be, the home side may just pull another victory out of the hat.
