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As Chennai Super Kings (CSK) approach the conclusion of what head coach Stephen Fleming has acknowledged as one of their most disappointing IPL seasons since the league's inception, the team is acutely aware of the opportunity to end their campaign on a positive note. Fleming wants his team to show some character and salvage some pride in their remaining matches.
Having been eliminated from playoff contention several weeks ago, the primary focus surrounding CSK's upcoming match against Rajasthan Royals, who are positioned just above them in ninth place, centers on which of the two teams will ultimately finish at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table. This encounter, scheduled for May 20 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, will decide as to who will be labeled the wooden spooners of the season, a fate both teams will be eager to avoid.
“One thing is the players that represent Chennai in the next two games will be very proud. The opportunity to finish the season well is really important to us. We had a good win in the last game, and we reflect back on past seasons where it hasn't gone that well for us. We finished those seasons well, which has helped our performances in the next season. So there's always opportunity, and the intensity in the side, the way we play these two games, we'll have intensity as though we're trying to win the competition. Because it's important to us every time we represent CSK, it's important that we play as well as we can,” Fleming said at the pre-match press conference.
“We know we haven't been up to par, so we've got two opportunities to finish well. So that doesn't change. We are looking at the opportunities for other players. We've done that in the last two or three games. We'll continue to do that because that is an opportunity out of our performances that we will be bullish on to take. So we've learned a lot and added to this group, and we will continue to learn over the next two games,” Fleming added.
The experience has served CSK really well over the years: Stephen Fleming
When questioned about whether the increased presence of younger players in the team signaled a deliberate shift in strategy for CSK, moving away from their long-standing 'Dad's Army' reputation, head coach Stephen Fleming provided his explanation.
“I don't care how old the players are. I do like the experience, though. The experience has served us really well over the years that we've had. It hasn't worked out quite well for us this year, and that could be a bit of form or strategy. It could be a number of things that just don't quite work out. The competition is very even. So the fact that we've been so consistent over a number of years to have a poor year is sort of shaken everybody. But it's understandable given the excellence in which the franchise is operating.”
“The challenge for us is making sure out of this that we do go over everything that we are doing and have done in the past to make sure we are keeping up with the philosophies, but also identifying talent. It's one thing to say we want a team full of young players when they've got to find one. So it's identifying talent and making sure they fit in to the experience, which I'll say I do like. You have a look at the top-run scorers and wicket-takers and you see there's a fair bit of experience there. But what it's sprinkled with is some amazing performances by young players who are playing fearless cricket. So it's getting that balance right. But most importantly, it's getting the player and the person right, and that's what we've been looking for,” Fleming concluded.
During the mid-stage of the IPL 2025 season, CSK strategically brought in several replacement players, notably including Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, and Urvil Patel. These young talents made big impact with their respective performances, leading to a compelling argument for the franchise to reconsider its long-held philosophy of prioritising experienced players. Investing in this emerging young talent could represent a strategic shift for the future of CSK.
Coming off a win in their previous match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens, the five-time champions will be aiming to conclude their current campaign on a high note with a victory against RR.
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