'Do Not Want to Put Too Much Doubt in Our Mind’, Mike Hussey Warns Against Doubt As CSK Braces For SRH Challenge

Chennai Super Kings are gearing up to host Sunrisers Hyderabad at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday as the 2024 season of the Indian Premier League gains momentum.

SRH has been at the forefront of the high-scoring matches witnessed this year, posing a tough challenge for the defending champions, who have experienced a rather inconsistent season in terms of results.

Looking ahead to the anticipated clash, CSK batting coach Mike Hussey emphasised the importance of rising to the occasion and seizing pivotal moments during the game.

“It makes it really challenging, doesn’t it? But that is the modern nature of the game and we have to deal with it. We can’t make any excuses,” Hussey remarked, setting the tone.

“We have looked at them really closely and we are going to do the best that we can,” he added, expressing the team's determination.

Highlighting the fierce competition and the significance of winning key moments, Hussey stressed the need to maintain focus without succumbing to doubt.

“We do not think we are too far off. We try to tweak the approach a little bit, cause the competition is so close that it could be the difference,” he noted, emphasising the importance of clarity in strategy.

“We do not want to confuse ourselves too much and put too much doubt in our mind,” he emphasised.

While SRH has adopted an aggressive style of play, in contrast to CSK's traditionally consistent approach, Hussey suggested that early breakthroughs and building pressure could be pivotal against the attacking opposition.

“They look very dangerous, they have put up some big scores throughout the tournament and hence we got to bowl really well. If we can pick up some early wickets in the powerplay and put them on the backfoot it could make things more difficult for their middle-order players coming in,” Hussey analysed.

Chennai Super Kings, with their five-time title wins, have relied heavily on their spinners over the years. However, the spin department has yet to make a significant impact this season, possibly due to the considerable dew affecting their performance.

“We have always had good spinners and the conditions here have also been friendly. But in the last few games, the dew has been really challenging for the bowlers, taking them out of the game,” Hussey elucidated, pointing out the challenges faced by the spinners.

“The other night, the spinners found it very difficult to hold the ball and they couldn’t get spin on it. The ball is skidding on nicely onto the bat which makes it really challenging,” he added.

Hussey concluded by emphasising the importance of adapting to the playing conditions, acknowledging that the team that handles them better will emerge victorious.

“But, as I said, there is no excuse cause it is pretty much the same for both teams and we have to deal with it as best as we can. We have done well here, we have great support from the crowd.” he acknowledged.

“The team that plays the conditions better will come out on top,” he reiterated, underscoring the significance of adaptability in cricket.