Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming has admitted that the team’s disappointing run in IPL 2025 has pushed them to experiment more than usual, giving opportunities to younger players in a bid to reverse their fortunes.
CSK face Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede on Sunday in what has become a near must-win clash. Currently at the bottom of the table with the worst net run rate in the league, CSK have already endured their worst-ever stretch in a season — including five consecutive losses and three back-to-back home defeats for the first time in their history.
In recent games, CSK brought in 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre to replace the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad, and 21-year-old Dewald Brevis in place of Gurjapneet Singh. Fleming said the team is now using more players this season than ever before.
“Our results so far have forced us to bring the whole squad into play,” Fleming said. “In the past, we’ve relied on experienced players who’ve delivered results. But when things aren’t working, philosophies are tested. You’ve seen that with the changes we’ve made. We’re still in the mix, but if things don’t go our way, we’ll look to build positively going forward. For now, we’re focused on staying in the tournament till the end.”
CSK broke their losing streak in their most recent game with a five-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). One of the biggest calls was leaving out veterans R Ashwin (38) and Devon Conway (33) to hand a debut to 20-year-old Shaik Rasheed, who impressed with a quick 27 off 19 in a 52-run opening partnership with Rachin Ravindra.
Fleming, however, highlighted that batting has been CSK’s weakest area so far. “We need everyone to step up. We’ve had cameos, but nothing substantial. To be in contention, the top three or four need to score 75% of the runs. That’s what the best teams are doing.”
With Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out, Fleming said the team is still trying to fill the void in the top order. “It’s up to players like Rachin, Conway, or some of the younger guys to grab the opportunity. We’ve been average; we need to be excellent to stay in the competition.”
He also addressed the tough decision to bench senior players like Ashwin, saying selections would now be based on match-ups and the right team balance. Star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has also underwhelmed, with just 92 runs at an average of 18.40 and four wickets at an economy of 8.53 from seven games — in contrast to young spinner Noor Ahmad, who has 12 wickets at 7.12.
In CSK’s last match, Jadeja was promoted to No. 4 to give him more time at the crease. “We’ve pushed Jadeja up the order to give him more of an opportunity,” Fleming said. “With the ball, he’s improved over the last few games, but we need him to step up with the bat as well — just like all our senior players. So far, it’s all been in bits and pieces, but we need consistent performances.”
