CSK hopeful of getting fans' support

“That’s one of the challenges of the auction format and that’s one of the reasons we stuck with our side,” said CSK coach Fleming when asked if new-look teams would find it difficult to connect with their fans. “We have a wonderful support-base in Chennai and it’s valuable to have home support at you home ground.

“Identifying the players over the last three years, we had a massive amount of support and we responded with good performances. That all added up to us keeping our players because we got a wonderful team environment. We are delighted that we have been able to maintain some sort of loyalty towards our fans and not expect the other way round,” he elaborated.

Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Gautam Gambhir will be leading his side against MS Dhoni-led defending champions CSK. The two, who joined hands to guide India to the World Cup win, will now be pitted against each other. “I imagine it’s a massive challenge,” noted Fleming, describing the situation. “These guys can be friends for life after what they went through the final and the bond that they have now will be very much unbreakable.

“But when you put different colours on, it’s in the nature of the professional environment these days. It’s a pretty important competition, especially in the backdrop of the World Cup. So it’s got its own challenges to perform. It’s an interesting situation and one which creates more interest in the IPL,” he reasoned.   

Gambhir, however, downplayed the issue. “We are all professionals and we have to be prepared for these things.” The left-hander sounded a bit annoyed when asked if he had picked anything from Dhoni’s captaincy. “I don’t get inspired playing under a captain,” he shot back. “I play for the country and the tri-colour inspires me. It doesn’t matter who the captain is.”

Fleming felt Dhoni would be able to play freely after the World Cup. “If he has been held back by the pressure and desire and the opportunity of winning the World Cup, then it will free him up in the IPL and you can see a real exciting two months for MS Dhoni.”