‘We want to make sure we realise the potential that he’s got’ – Stephen Fleming on Rajvardhan Hangargekar

Stephen Fleming, Chennai Super Kings (Image Credit : BCCI/IPL)

Defending champions, Chennai have struggled in the ongoing Indian T20 League 2022. They have managed to register two wins after playing eight games so far. They now need to win six out of six games remaining to be in contention for the playoffs. A lot of young players such as Maheesh Theekshana (Sri Lanka), Mukesh Choudhary, Tushar Deshpande, Shivam Dube, etc. have played for the team this season.

However, all-rounder Rajvardhan Hangergekar, who was part of the India U19 team earlier this year, hasn’t got the opportunity to play a game yet. Hangargekar was bought by the four-time winners for 1.5 crores INR. Ahead of the season, he was anticipated to play as Shardul Thakur went to Delhi at the auction.

Meanwhile, head coach Stephen Fleming has said that the team is very careful about playing him this year. Fleming added that the team is very conscious of his skills and doesn’t want him to get damaged as a player as he might fail. The 49-year-old believes that the team is making sure they realize the all-rounder’s potential.

“You have to be very careful. I know he’s (Rajvardhan) performed at the Under-19 level but this is a step up,” Fleming said, as quoted by the official website of CSK.

“We’re very conscious of the skills that he needs to perform. We don’t wanna just throw him in and damage him. We want to make sure we realize the potential that he’s got. ”

The former New Zealand further added that the 2022 U19 World Cup winner will play if the opportunity arises only if the team knows how to utilize him.

“He’s on an excellent program with us. He’s played some big games already. If the opportunity arises this year, we’ll put him in. Pace is one thing, how to use it and bowl on the big stage is very important. We’re not gonna mess around with a talent like him,” said the former New Zealand captain.