IPL 2016: RPS still struggling to find right combination, says Stephen Fleming

Mahendra Singh Dhoni's Rising Pune Supergiants slumped to another defeat, this time against table toppers, the Kolkata Knight Riders even after putting up a decent 160 on the scoreboard.

Although the Pune side started the IPL 2016 campaign with a bang – defeating the defending champions, Mumbai Indians – they currently find themselves in the second-last position on the points table.

Unable to defend an above-par score of 160 runs, the Pune-based franchise suffered a 2-wicket loss against Gautam Gambhir's men and with that defeat, extended their losing streak to four consecutive Vivo IPL matches.

When asked about the reason behind the side's current form, RPS head coach, Stephen Fleming answered, “We are just trying to find a combination. Because we are (a) new team, we are trying to understand what combinations will work. It's not ideal but if we win 2 or 3 games in a row we probably will settle down. We are conscious about it and are just working on the combinations that will give us the results we need.”

“We just need to move on. As a new team, we are trying to develop a culture and some camaraderie, it does take a lot more work. So we are working hard but it's tough,” the former Kiwi captain added.

Moreover, the 43-year-old didn't seem particularly happy with the performance of his bowlers and thought that they should've done better to defend a “very good score” of 160 on a slow-paced MCA Stadium pitch.

“What we are not doing is winning cricket and that's all that matters. I thought today's performance was poor, the performance on the field was very poor. 160 was a very good score on that surface. There was (a) lot of assistance for the slow bowlers but we just didn't adjust. We didn't use our spin, we didn't create enough pressure and kept Kolkata in the game,” Fleming later added.

“Our fielding and slow bowling in the middle overs were found wanting. I think 160 should have been easily defended. We just let the pressure off with the ball. On a pitch like that, we probably should have shot a team down with the amount of turn on offer and how difficult it was. With 3 spinners and a slow bowler in (Rajat) Bhatia, we were suited to do well but we didn't do it,” the former Kiwi opener concluded.

Fleming happy with batting exploits against KKR

However, Fleming acknowledged the efforts of his batsmen and applauded the RPS batting unit for putting up a commendable 160 on the scoreboard.

“I think the batting was very good today. There was some very smart batting. You really don't know what a good score is until 2-3rd of the innings. (Steven) Smith and (Ajinkya) Rahane gave us the opportunity. We were very happy with 160,” the RPS head coach told the press.