'We are not turning a blind eye': Stephen Fleming on CSK's injury woes ahead of LSG clash

Sports Tak

UPDATED: May 14, 2026 10:23 PM IST

Sports Tak•

UPDATED: May 14, 2026 10:23 PM IST

CSK head coach Stephen Fleming in frame. (X)

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Stephen Fleming has reacted to CSK's injury concerns in the ongoing IPL 2026

CSK have already lost Jamie Overton Khaleel Ahmed, Ayush Mhatre, and Ramakrishan Ghosh due to injury

Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming expressed his frustration following a string of unfortunate events for the franchise, noting that the team has been plagued by a significant run of bad luck regarding player fitness. This sentiment came shortly after Jamie Overton was officially ruled out of the IPL 2026 season, marking him as the fourth major casualty in the squad's roster.

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Stephen Fleming on CSK's injury riddle

Overton’s departure adds to a growing list of sidelined players, joining Khaleel Ahmed, Ayush Mhatre, and Ramakrishan Ghosh. Each of these players sustained their injuries during match play this year, forcing the management to constantly reshuffle the lineup and look for replacements in what has become an increasingly challenging campaign for the defending champions.

“It is unlucky. A couple of the boys came into the competition with niggles. Gosh was one of those that we were nursing through, and then he had a fall, so that was unfortunate,” said Fleming in the pre-match press conference.

We’re not doing anything to put strain on these guys: Fleming

The former New Zealand captain noted that the coaching staff has identified a recurring trend in these fitness setbacks. He emphasized that the organization is actively investigating the underlying causes of the injury pattern to address the issue moving forward.

"We’re not doing anything to put strain on these guys. They’ve all been playing a lot of cricket; it’s just one of those things. But we’re certainly not turning a blind eye to it. We are working very hard on recovery, and we have a very professional staff who have been with us for a number of years, so that area is well looked after,” he added.

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Even with a mounting injury list and a sluggish beginning to the season, Chennai Super Kings have managed a remarkable turnaround by securing victories in six of their last eight outings. This resurgence has kept the team firmly in the hunt, demonstrating the squad's characteristic resilience under pressure. Fleming expressed his satisfaction with this mid-season rally, specifically highlighting the contribution of the team's newer members. He noted that he was particularly pleased with how the younger players have stepped up to fill the gaps left by veteran teammates, proving their ability to perform on the big stage when called upon.

“We are really pleased with the way the players have improved. To be in this position now is something many thought we wouldn’t be, but the group’s been really strong. Given the core of young players, going forward, I think it’s quite exciting,” Fleming concluded.