Fleming Frustrated as CSK Slip Again Despite Top-Order Boost

CSK head coach Stephen Fleming and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad

Mullanpur: Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming expressed frustration after his team suffered its fourth consecutive loss in IPL 2025. While he welcomed the improved performance from the top order, he emphasized that failing to close out matches remains a major concern.

Chasing a challenging target of 220 set by Punjab Kings, CSK fell short by 18 runs despite a stronger batting display.

Catching Woes Hurt CSK Again

“It’s been a frustrating season so far,” Fleming told the media post-match. He pointed to poor catching as a key area of concern, adding, “It was poor from both sides. Maybe it had something to do with the lights, but for us, that was a real issue.”

So far, CSK has dropped 11 catches in five matches, including three costly ones against Punjab Kings, which may have altered the match outcome.

Top Order Finds Form at Last

On a brighter note, Fleming appreciated the improved performance from CSK’s top-order batters. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra added 69 runs for the opening partnership. Conway later teamed up with Shivam Dube to build a valuable 89-run stand for the third wicket.

“Well, from a positive angle, we finally got some substance from the top order. That allowed us to build the chase a bit better than in previous games,” Fleming remarked.

However, he admitted the team couldn’t maintain momentum. “We just couldn’t keep the run rate in check through the middle overs, which left too much to do at the end. While it’s good that we stayed in the game longer, we really lost it in the field,” he added.

Praise for Priyansh Arya’s Brave Hundred

Fleming also acknowledged the brilliant knock by Punjab Kings’ young batter Priyansh Arya, who hammered a 42-ball 103, despite wickets tumbling around him.

“He had a day out, didn’t he? He played superbly from the very first ball,” Fleming said. “It was brave—especially after getting out on the first ball in the previous game—to come out and play like that.”

Fleming admitted CSK’s bowlers didn’t execute their plans effectively. “We were supposed to bowl straight at the stumps to build pressure. The one time we did, it created a caught-and-bowled chance. But we strayed too wide and allowed him to play his strengths. We just didn’t adjust quickly enough,” he explained.

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