Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming has praised all-rounder Moeen Ali especially after his match-winning performance against Rajasthan Royals Monday night at the Wankhede.
"He is adding an all-round aspect to our game which we lacked last year. His contribution was just what we were looking for,” Fleming said in the post-match press conference. “We are absolutely happy with the way he has started," the coach added.
Along with his quickfire 26 with the bat and 3/7 with the ball in the last game, Ali has so far racked up 108 runs with the bat at a healthy strike rate of more than 150 and has also claimed four wickets.
Former New Zealand captain also touched upon the aspect of opening batting being an issue with Ruturaj Gaikwad not delivering so far. "Robin Uthappa is waiting and Gaikwad has a little bit of time last year with the way he played. You know our philosophy, we give our players a good run,” Fleming said about the plans of the team.
MS Dhoni, for the first time, was seen in his vintage self in the last game when he hit a few fours, the Kiwi national and companion of Dhoni since 2008 IPL feels that the great man is returning to form and can become a dangerous prospect for the CSK going forward.
"Yes, his form is restoring, every time he gets some balls in the middle he's going to get better and better," Fleming said. "There will be opportunities where we would probably look to throw MS Dhoni up as with (Ravindra) Jadeja and others," he added.
The Chennai team next faces Kolkata Knight Riders in the second match of the double header's on April 21 at the Wankhede.