Coach Stephen Fleming criticises CSK batting performance
"I was disappointed with the nature of our dismissals," said Fleming after CSK's nine-run defeat to Mumbai on Saturday.
Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming has blamed the batsmen for his team's nine-run defeat against Mumbai Indians in their Pepsi IPL opener and said the manner in which some of them got out was "not acceptable".
"The pitch was fine. The score was achievable and at half time we were pretty comfortable. I must say the batting was below standard, considering the experience in our line-up," said Fleming at the post-match press conference.
"Some of the dismissals were truly out of character. It is not acceptable," he added.
Chasing a modest total of 149, CSK skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni almost won the match for his side with a breathtaking 51-run knock off 26 balls but his dismissal in the first ball of the final over scripted Mumbai's sensational win.
Fleming said he was disappointed at the way his batsmen got out.
"Mumbai bowled well and they did enough to put pressure on us. We do not like to see our batsmen out of character."
"It is not about harsh words. It is a reality check. To be honest, I am not a coach to blow things up but I was disappointed with the nature of our dismissals. We did not deserve to win this game. We are hoping we will perform better in the next games," he said.
Fleming said his team would work on the grey areas and come out as a better unit in the next match.
"Early in the competition, you need to be better in chasing and somewhere the nature of the loss is a reality check for us. With three days to go for our next match, our players will back themselves to make things right," Fleming said.