CSK working hard on Irfan's fitness - Fleming

Irfan Pathan, who was bought by Chennai Super Kings in the 2015 auction for Rs 1.5 crores ($ 241,000 approx), was not available for selection for Super Kings's opening game against Delhi Dardevils due to fitness concerns. Stephen Fleming, the Super Kings coach, has said that although Irfan is a crucial part of the team's plans, he has to work on his fitness. Since appearing for Sunrisers Hyderabad for 10 matches last season, Irfan has played only five first-class games; he scored one half-century and picked up 14 wickets for Baroda in the Ranji Trophy.

"Irfan is not yet at that level of his career and he has got another chapter to write," Fleming told iplt20.com. "What I bank on is the MS Dhoni and Raina factor. They can get the best out of players. I like Irfan's skills and his attitude, and fitness is one thing we will work hard on. I like how he will fit into our side and he is a good addition for us."

"Irfan has the skills we were looking at - an all-rounder down the order who bowls left-arm seam, which we like," he said. "We are on a bit of a train in buying older players like Ashish Nehra and Mike Hussey. People focus on youth but we like experience because of the knowledge they can pass on."

JP Duminy, the Delhi Daredevils captain, has expressed confidence in the combined experience Yuvraj Singh and Zaheer Khan bring to the dressing room. After a poor finish last season, Daredevils went on a shopping spree in the 2015 auction and beefed up the side with some big names.

"He [Yuvraj] is a match-winner and I have no doubt that in this IPL he will win games on his own," Duminy told iplt20.com. "We have seen that year after year where he has put in big performances and I know he takes a lot of pride in his performance. I have no doubt we can expect some big things from him for DD this time."

"Zaheer's experience is definitely one not only I but many players in the squad will tap into," he said.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, with 20 wickets for Sunrisers Hyderabad, was the third-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2014, but is coming into the season without much cricket behind him. After watching the World Cup from the sidelines - he played just one match, against UAE - he said he was eager to make an impact on the field.

"I am excited to play matches after a long time," Bhuvneshwar told Mid-Day. "Although I was in Australia and was part of the training sessions, I didn't play enough matches. The excitement to play a match is different."

The good news for Bhuvneshwar fans is that the bowler was not looking to change anything about this bowling. "I would never compromise on my swing for speed," he said. "If anybody tells me to bowl at 140kmph, I would not love to do so because when you bowl at that pace, there are big chances of the ball not swinging enough. Yes, pace was a concern for me in Australia because I was making a comeback from my injury. I am quite happy with my speed which is around 130-135kmph. For me, it is important to be fit and in good rhythm."

Mitchell Johnson may be Kings XI Punjab's bowler with x-factor, but it was Sandeep Sharma who led the bowling charts with 18 wickets last year. His wicket-taking ability was established, but his economy suffered. So at the start of the new season, Sandeep was hoping a tip from a legend could make a difference.

"A few days ago, during a team training session in Chennai I had a chance to meet legendary Australian bowler Glenn McGrath," Sandeep told the Indian Express. "He guided us. One of his tips, which I think are crucial for a bowler's future is - You should forget the previous ball as soon as you can; whether it was a six, a four or a wicket, if you carry the impact of previous delivery you'll be bashed. I will remember his advice throughout my career."