Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming is wary about the fact that law of averages might just catch up with the defending champions, who have been in good form having won eight out of their 12 IPL matches so far.
Chennai sit pretty on the points table in the second spot with 16 points and Fleming is aiming to finish league engagements on a high.
"We want to do something differently. Any team wants to be one and two on points table because running into the final is so much better and we win the next two games and back in Chennai for the final. It's a fantastic run," Fleming said.
"If it does not occur, the third and fourth place teams have to play extra games possibly one before the final and another tough one, which is a bit harder. Certainly we want to be one of the top two teams at the end of the league stage and give a perfect run for the final. The next two games are crucial for us in the competition," the coach said.
Chennai have kept a clean slate at home, winning all the six matches in their backyard and Fleming said they would look to maintain the winning momentum.
"We have been working hard for winning our home matches. At the same time, we do not take it for granted and certainly it is no different tomorrow. We have taken few days off and another win on your home ground is important for the competition. It is obviously fine and we can finish off the season without losing at home," he said.
Apart from the home advantage, Chennai players have gelled very well on the field and the bowlers have won quite a few matches for them besides the already strong batting line up.
"I think there is pride in both. The bowlers are proud that our batsmen have performed this year. The batsmen are proud that when they had not performed well, the bowlers have come and done the job for the team.
"We are pre-dominantly a batting side. But our bowling this year has become very smart and last year, it was very good as well. We got better during the middle of this tournament. I am proud of the way my team has been playing," he said.
When asked about the fact that Super Kings perform better in the mid-phase of the innings, Fleming said, "It is certainly a component. During the last three years, we were really focused on that. Our spinning in the middle overs has been our strength. As for batting it is a flow from the start."
"Dhoni as a captain is a great example in the last couple of matches. Most of the batsmen have come out and they have been very positive and there is a way of winning the IPL," he said.
Fleming said that star West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, joining the team after the half-way mark in the competition, has settled in quite nicely in the role of an all-rounder.
"He has fitted well enough. We wanted to give Bravo a game at Chepauk and he did well with the ball in the last game. He gives depth to the batting and brings all round display."
