Match-winner Du Plessis played against Sunrisers because of Billings’s injury: CSK coach Fleming

Coach Stephen Fleming says Faf du Plessis, who single-handedly guided Chennai Super Kings into the final of Indian Premier League’s 11th edition, was played in the first qualifier because of an injury to Sam Billings.

Coming back after a two-year ban, two-time champions CSK last night pulled off a thrilling two-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad to make theie seventh final of the cash-rich league, with du Plessis’ unbeaten 67-run knock leading the chase.

“Sam got hurt in the last game. He fell awkwardly on his hip and it has been quite bruised. He probably could’ve played if he was pushed but he was uncomfortable.

“So we just took that opportunity to keep Faf in the side, having introduced him in the last game. We’ve got different combinations that we can use and today I’m very happy that Faf was able to contribute the way he did,” said Fleming in his post-match media conference.

Chasing a modest target of 140, CSK were down in the dumps at 92 for seven before Du Plessis (67 off 42 balls) engineered a stunning comeback.

“The player today who hasn’t played that much came out on a bigger stage of the tournament today and for Faf to do that is testament to his skills set and his mindset as well.

“Sometimes dumb luck… you just pick the guys at the right time and they just play and innings for the team that means so much and we saw one of those today,” the former New Zealand skipper explained, adding, “Sam’s injury made it pretty clear that Faf at 1 and Rayudu at 4 was the way to go.”

The Qualifier 1 against the table toppers was only the fifth game that du Plessis played this season.

The former New Zealand captain also heaped praise on young South Africa pacer Lungi Ngidi, who returned figures of 1-20 and accounted for rival opener Shreevats Goswami. “He (Ngidi) has provided a spearhead for MS and it’s improved the first six overs. So we’re getting wickets in the front, Deepak Chahar is also swinging the ball.

“The two of them have provided opportunities to take wickets and that’s allowed our other bowlers to come into the game a bit more, so he’s (Ngidi) been quite instrumental, certainly reducing the scores we’re chasing,” added Fleming.

Dhoni attributes success to “dressing room atmosphere”
Meanwhile, CSK skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni attributed Chennai Super Kings’ seventh IPL final appearance to “dressing room atmosphere”.

“We have been a very good team over the past ten seasons, but it’s more about the dressing room atmosphere. And you can’t do that without the players and the support staff. And if atmosphere is not good, then players go to different directions. But somehow, we have managed to keep our boys on track.”

All-rounder Dwayne Bravo celebrated the victory with a dance in the dressing room. A video of the same was posted on Twitter by Chennai Super Kings, in which Bravo and Harbhajan Singh are seen dancing in front of skipper Dhoni.

“Always happy when we win. Being in the top two gives you that liberty to have one more game.”

“If we would’ve lost, you still give yourself a second chance. They bowled very well, and there was a bit for the fast bowlers. Bhuvi bowled well, backed up well by Rashid. We kept losing wickets, and so we had to push ourselves. Losing three-four wickets in the middle always puts you on pressure. Plus, they have a mystery bowler.

“It’s good to win a game like this, but what’s more important, is knowing how we can improve,” the former India skipper added.