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After Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faced their third straight loss in IPL 2025 following 25-run defeat at home against Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 5, their head coach Stephen Fleming, took a moment to consider their challenging beginning to the season. When questioned about whether CSK could excel more by leaning on young, inexperienced players, Fleming clearly said that the past success has largely been built on the foundation of experienced campaigners.
“KL Rahul was not that young, but he played a match-winning innings today. He was very good. You know, I’m a fan of experience. Big players traditionally step up matches during the tournament, and when they do, younger players can play the cameos. We’ve supported experience over the years, and it’s done us pretty well,” Fleming said in the post-match press conference.
“It’s not that we don’t like young players, but we prefer consistency and the problem-solving ability that experienced players often display,” he added.
Fleming also talked about MS Dhoni's intent during CSK’s chase against Delhi Capitals where he scored a sluggish 26-ball 30 at the MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai. CSK were was chasing a target of 184, but Dhoni despite getting enough time on the crease couldn't pull it off for the five-time winners.
“The intent was there. I believe the ball started to grip a bit more. We knew the conditions would be favorable in the first half, but gradually slow down. So, we were eager to bat first and then adapt to the changing pace of the ball. They executed that really well. Vijay Shankar had difficulty in timing the ball throughout his innings. The period from the 12th to the 16th over was challenging for everyone. It was hard to watch, and certainly difficult to be out there. The game began to slip out of reach, and despite the intent and different strategies, the challenge became too overwhelming,” Fleming signed off.
CSK, having lost three matches in a row, will next take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 8 at the the Mullanpur stadium.
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