They might be inside the top-four in the points table right now after two consecutive wins but Chennai Super Kings batsman Mike Hussey says getting to the IPL playoffs remains a tough task and his side would have to be consistent in the remaining matches to make the cut.
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Chennai beat table-toppers Delhi Daredevils by nine wickets in Chennai on Saturday night. Hussey said the victory lifted the spirits in the dressing room.
"The mood was very good in the dressing room tonight. We won a good match particularly on the efforts of our fast bowlers, who made a huge difference. The feeling is good and we need to take the momentum in winning every game. It is tough but we will be putting in our best in the next two matches," Hussey said.
"We cannot be thinking about the final as yet. We have two more matches to go in the league phase and need to win them. But, having experience in playing these types of matches and winning under pressure, we have good experience in the big matches as well," he added.
Ben Hilfenhaus, who played in place of in-form South African Faf Du Plessis, did a commendable job as his 3/27 in four overs was crucial in restricting Delhi to 114.
Hussey said Hilfenhaus' man-of-the-match winning performance has created a problem of plenty for Chennai.
"I do not know what the selectors are going to decide. Du Plessis has been doing well this season but he has been down, so sat out in the last two games. He might come back as well but certainly Ben Hilfenhaus addition is a big plus."
"He has been able to get those early wickets and he has given fantastic starts putting the opposition under pressure.
Certainly, he is a plus for the team," Hussey said.
"Actually, Ben's action is different to that of Doug (Bollinger). But, Ben is very good at swinging the brand new ball. It is an asset, though his action is a little different to both Albie (Morkel) and Doug."
Hussey said CSK would also draw confidence from the fact that it has done well in tight games.
"We have done well in crunch situations in the previous years too. Changing team characteristics during crunch situations and performing well has been there. We have two more crunch matches and we need to continue the momentum.
"We got to continue our form and obviously the next game in Kolkata is a very tough match. Kolkata have been playing well and they know the home conditions well. It is going to be another huge pressure match," he said.
Hussey said his team fires in unison instead of depending on individual performances.
"I think we do not rely only on one or two or three individuals in our team but everyone can contribute to the team victory. I think the match that we won against Rajasthan was a similar match where we won with six balls to spare," he said.
