We are getting better with every game: Fleming

Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming, on Saturday, declared that his players are focused on winning their next two matches in order to qualify for the semi-finals of the Champions League Twenty20.

CSK started their campaign on a discordant note, losing to Mumbai Indians, but won their second game against Cape Cobras to earn two points. They play Trinidad and Tobago and New South Wales on October 4 and complete their group engagements.

Agreeing that his team has to win the next two games, Fleming said, "We ran Mumbai close in the fist game and we won the second. We're in good shape with crucial contributions from a couple of guys in key times."

"We're not far from playing well. Our campaigns usually get better with each game that goes on. We've to win the last two games to go through; the guys are aware of that and they're working hard in training."

Fleming said that, in T20, contribution from a couple of guys is key to success.

"In Twenty20, you get important contributions from a couple of guys each game; you don't really get an even contribution. It's just the case of when the opportunity comes up and the players are good enough to take it."

Fleming feels that Dhoni will do well in his role as a finisher.

"We don't want him caught up in two or three roles. His main role is to come on the later part of the innings. He's such a great finisher. He keeps it very simple. There are some good heads in the side to lay the foundation (prior to Dhoni's arrival at the crease) of the innings." 

He said the pitch is new and if it had been the same pitch that was used last IPL, the players would have been a lot more confident but still working out how best to approach the surface.

Asked whether CSK is enjoying an unfair advantage of playing all their matches at home compared to other teams, Fleming defended it, saying although it's an advantage, it is not an unfair one.

"The crowd is very important. We enjoy playing here. We play a certain sty#8804 but here, we batted first (in the first match), bowled second (in the second match). So we are still trying to figure out what is a good score on this pitch; we're watching matches to see how much it turns."

"So, in terms of the pitch, the advantage is negated. But we are comfortable playing in Chepauk, we enjoy the home support."

On the lack of supporters in Chennai for this tournament, the coach said, "I don't know, maybe they will come back as the tournament goes on. (Usually) at the start of a tournament you have good crowds and they drift off in the middle and come back at the end of the tournament.

"If we play good cricket, hopefully, we can get a few more to come through."