IPL 2018: KXIP should learn lessons from CSK and MS Dhoni, says coach Brad Hodge

KXIP did not get over the line… the score was below-par against CSK, says Brad Hodge.

CSK beat KXIP by 5-wicket in Pune | IANS

Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) coach Brad Hodge was lavished praise on Sunday (20 May) on MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for their brilliant fighting spirit that they have shown in the ongoing IPL 2018 so far, saying KXIP should take a leaf from it in the future after their exit from the T20 event.

At the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Sunday, Dhoni and his yellow brigade displayed another stunning show in an IPL 2018 encounter against the KXIP to show them the door of the league, as they brilliantly chased down the target 154 in just 19.1 overs.

As per reports in Hindustan Times, Hodge said, “I think the reality is that MS (Dhoni) and his side are in a position to be able to pull those moves and have the confidence of doing it. We know that MS would do that sort of creative stuff and that is why he is a champion and that is why he has got a champion team.”

He went on to further explain, “We look to emulate such things and we know we are short in experience compared to this Chennai Super Kings side. But hopefully over the coming years, whatever group comes together learns those traits and have courage as well, to be able to that with their group and have trust to get the job done.”

On their 5-wicket loss to CSK in their must-win encounter, the KXIP coach said his boys could do well at least can post 200 but they failed, though he praised the team for showing great fighting spirit in Pune, but says 154 was below par total against such a strong team.

Hodge further added, “It was always going to be a tough ask. Our game plan was to get 200 and hopefully try and restrict (CSK) as best as possibly we could. But at 16 for three the target was probably unrealistic. I think we showed great fighting spirit out there, we did not get over the line… the score was below-par.”

He also admitted that KXIP’s performance was ‘bits and pieces’ throughout the IPL 2018.

He signed off by saying, “Unfortunately we just thought we have not had the opportunity to put together, in games, consistent performance with (both) bat and ball and in-field. Those three aspects have been bits and pieces throughout the season and it is the indictment of where we sit at the end of the year.”

 

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 21 May, 2018

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