Bravo and Simons Lead CSK’s Bowling Mastery
Amidst the prevailing ethos of aggressive batting, Dwayne Bravo and Eric Simons collaborate to devise strategies and impart wisdom to the bowling unit, aiming to neutralize the onslaught from opposing batsmen.
In a pivotal moment during a match, when Tushar Deshpande observed Andre Russell adopting an off-stump guard at Chepauk, he swiftly adapted his approach. Opting to come around the wicket and deliver wide of the crease, Deshpande created an angle that thwarted Russell’s ability to freely wield his bat.
The tactical maneuver paid off as Russell mistimed his shot, resulting in a catch at long on and granting Deshpande his third wicket of the innings, showcasing the effectiveness of the plan orchestrated by the Chennai Super Kings’ Mumbai pacer.
Expressing his appreciation for the guidance provided by bowling coach Dwayne Bravo, Deshpande paid homage by emulating one of Bravo’s iconic wicket-celebrations. He performed a lively jig, rotating his arms with gusto, symbolizing the act of sending the batsman ‘back on his horse.’
This gesture highlights the symbiotic relationship between mentor and protege, underscoring the invaluable role played by Bravo in shaping Deshpande’s bowling prowess.
CSK’s Defensive Mastery: Bravo and Simons Revamp Bowling Arsenal in IPL’s Aggressive Landscape
In a format where attack is the buzzword, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) strategically deploys two specialists to fortify the defensive aspect of their playbook – focusing on bowling prowess. Dwayne Bravo, renowned for his mastery in the death overs, joins forces with South African Eric Simons, CSK’s esteemed bowling consultant, who notably served as India’s bowling coach during the MS Dhoni era. Together, they meticulously mentor the bowling group, equipping them to navigate the challenges of T20 cricket with finesse.
While CSK boasts an experienced spin attack well-versed in the nuances of the game, it is the pacers who have elevated their game, displaying heightened tactical awareness to make a significant impact on the field.
In a recent showdown against Mumbai Indians, the duo of Tushar Deshpande and Shardul Thakur emerged as unsung heroes for CSK. With Mumbai Indians needing 12 runs per over in the final six overs on a typically batting-friendly Wankhede pitch, the Mumbai-based duo from CSK showcased exceptional skill.
They conceded a mere 5 runs in the 14th and 15th overs, effectively containing the formidable duo of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. Their performance served as a masterclass in defensive bowling against two established batsmen in the IPL’s high-scoring edition.
In an IPL season characterized by record-breaking run-scoring feats, CSK’s adeptness in successfully defending on a flat wicket highlighted their defensive prowess and strategic acumen, setting them apart in the fiercely competitive cricketing landscape.
Thakur’s Tactical Brilliance: CSK’s Bowling Coach Hails Shardul’s Mastery
Eric Simons, CSK’s bowling consultant, lauded Shardul Thakur’s exceptional performance, labeling his 14th over, where he conceded a mere 2 runs, as “one of the best overs you will see.”
Thakur’s strategic approach involved varying his pace and hitting accurate landing spots, preventing Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya from unleashing their power hitting abilities. By persistently challenging them to clear the slightly longer on-side boundary, Thakur effectively contained the batsmen’s aggression.
While Thakur has always possessed a knack for taking wickets, T20 cricket hasn’t traditionally been his forte. In the previous season, his teammates humorously teased him about competing for both the purple cap (for most wickets) and the orange cap (for most runs scored) due to the high number of runs he conceded in exchange for wickets.
Despite the challenges, Eric Simons emphasized the unwavering support provided to Thakur by the coaching staff. “We backed him,” Simons asserted after the match against Mumbai Indians, underscoring the importance of clarity in the bowlers’ approach on the field. The coaching staff ensures that bowlers understand not only the tactics but also the reasoning behind them.
Thakur, along with fellow bowler Tushar Deshpande, demonstrates exceptional intelligence and comprehension, possessing a clear understanding of which side of the ground is favorable and what line to bowl to execute the game plan effectively.
“In a CSK video, Dwayne Bravo emphasized the coaching philosophy shared by himself and Eric Simons, highlighting their approach to nurturing bowlers’ talents. “What Eric and myself try to do is to allow them to express themselves and even make mistakes,” Bravo explained. They employ specific drills during practice sessions to equip bowlers with the necessary skills to excel in match situations.
Eric Simons provided insight into one such drill tailored for Sri Lankan bowler Matheesha Pathirana. “I give him a glove, hit the glove. I give him a target at the bottom of the pitch, he hits the target,” Simons elaborated. He emphasized allowing players to develop their techniques independently, rather than imposing rigid coaching methods. Simons found Pathirana’s accuracy particularly gratifying, citing his impressive figures of 4-28 against Mumbai Indians. He expressed confidence that as Pathirana further hones his accuracy, his overall performance will continue to improve.
This coaching approach underscores the significance of continuous player development, even within the constraints of a league where coaches have limited time to work with players, typically only two months per year. CSK employs a meticulous selection process for net bowlers, subjecting them to rigorous trials. Those who demonstrate maturity and potential during these trials are actively pursued in player auctions, reflecting CSK’s commitment to nurturing and upskilling its bowling unit.
Tushar Deshpande’s journey with CSK exemplifies the team’s knack for nurturing talent. Initially going unsold in the 2020 auction, he persisted and earned a spot as a net bowler in 2021. By 2022, he not only made it into the playing XI but also emerged as CSK’s highest wicket-taker. Deshpande credits CSK for his transformation, acknowledging, “This version of me you see is because of CSK.”
Even in the current season, Deshpande stands out as the second most economical Indian fast bowler, trailing only behind the illustrious Jasprit Bumrah. His role within the team is clearly defined: during the powerplay, he targets the top of the off-stump, while he seeks guidance from Bravo for the death overs.
Deshpande willingly relinquishes death overs duties when Mustafizur Rahman and Matheesha Pathirana are available, but this dynamic is set to change with Mustafizur’s impending departure from the league on May 1.
Deshpande’s effectiveness was evident in recent matches. Against KKR, he displayed his prowess in the slog overs, deceiving Rinku Singh with a well-disguised slower ball. Similarly, in a match against MI, he outfoxed Hardik Pandya with a short-pitched delivery, anticipating the batsman’s aggressive intent. Deshpande attributes much of his T20 cricket acumen to his collaboration with Bravo and Simons, whose mentorship has been invaluable.
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Eric Simons underscores the coaching staff’s focus on empowering bowlers to make smart decisions under pressure. Their emphasis lies in educating bowlers on selecting strategic battles and knowing when to absorb pressure, reflecting CSK’s commitment to developing well-rounded cricketers capable of thriving in high-stakes situations.
