Need to get CSK batting combinations right: Stephen Fleming

NEW DELHI: After suffering their fourth loss in eight games, the Chennai Super Kings are prepared to allow players like Daryl Mitchell some time to acclimate to life in the top three. Head coach Stephen Fleming is not searching for a "quick fix" to his team's batting problems.

Throughout the season, CSK has been mixing hitters in the top three.

Ajinkya Rahane and Ruturaj Gaikwad opened Tuesday's match against the Lucknow Super Giants, while Mitchell moved up to number three from number five.

Gaikwad moved down to number three in the last game to make room for Rahane and Rachin Ravindra .

Fleming stated that they must adjust their batting lineups after their crushing home defeat at the hands of LSG.

"It's a mixture of trying to find that (combination) and also form. We're a little bit uncomfortable with some areas, so we're trying to find not a quick fix, but the right combination where players are going to contribute for the back end of this tournament," said Fleming after first loss of the season at home.

Mitchell has scored 146 runs in seven innings since being purchased in the auction for Rs 14 crore.

Fleming maintained that the fellow New Zealander would be most suited at number three.

"There's a lot of pressure, obviously. Getting up the order is more comfortable for him. Me putting him down the order in the hitting role wasn't his best position.

"So, we've looked to rectify that and get him up the order where he has had his best performances internationally. That might take a little time, but the top three need to contribute the majority of runs.

"Ruturaj did that today, so hopefully, he can continue his form, and the others can pick that up... We're not firing on all cylinders by any means, but we're in each game asking teams to play well to beat us. We just got to get a little bit better," he said referring to skipper's unbeaten hundred in a losing cause.

Even though Mitchell's elevation did not have the expected effect, Marcus Stoinis ' move to the number three spot for LSG changed the course of events. With an undefeated 124 off 63 balls, Stoinis was the only player who could turn the tide and win the match for his team.

Fleming, who has collaborated with the Australian all-rounder for the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League, remembered the effect the player had made at the top, particularly as an opener.

"He's got power, but he's also got good batsmanship. For Stars, we got him to open the batting, and he was quite prolific," he remembered.

"Today, we saw the quality of his work. His 50 came up in about mid-20 balls (26), and then he just controlled the innings.

"What more could you ask from your top three? They needed someone to answer for what Ruturaj did, and Stoinis did that beautifully."

(With PTI inputs)