Chasing 160, CSK rode on unbeaten half-centuries from Ruturaj Gaikwad (67 not out) and Kartik (54 not out) to seal victory with 11 balls to spare, completing a clinical allround performance after their bowlers had restricted MI to 159\/7.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe's a fine player, and he was expensive in the auction because others see that as well, and tonight it was good to see the temperament as well as the skill on show, and he will just get better and better,\u201d Fleming told reporters in the post-match press conference.\u201cYou have the young players, there are two parts to it, one is how you introduce them. It is a big stage, no matter what they've been doing at the domestic level. So understanding their mentality is really important, and it is a big step-up.\" <\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThey can have all the talent in the world, but the temperament is what we're looking for, and his introduction was tough at the start, and then he had a little bit of time out. He worked hard and today was a good reward for that,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kartik\u2019s unbeaten 54 off 40 balls, laced with timely boundaries and smart strike rotation, came in a crucial 98-run partnership with Gaikwad that ensured CSK never lost control of the chase. The CSK coach further revealed that the team had been closely tracking Kartik\u2019s development and believed he was ready for the opportunity.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWell, he was pretty good last year. Again, it's just trying to understand at what level the skill keeps lifting up and, when it's domestic level, you're trying to quantify the standard,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Fleming emphasised the importance of adapting to the IPL stage, noting that performances in domestic cricket don\u2019t always directly translate to success at the highest level.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWell, he was pretty good last year. Again, it's just trying to understand at what level the skill keeps lifting up and, when it's domestic level, you're trying to quantify the standard,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Earlier in the match, CSK\u2019s bowlers, led by Anshul Kamboj (3\/32) and Noor Ahmad (2\/26), restricted MI despite a brisk start, setting up the platform for a comfortable chase that keeps CSK\u2019s campaign on track.<\/p>\r\n\r\n