close_game
close_game

‘Fitting that we are at the bottom’: Fleming buries CSK after another IPL 2025 loss, says side can’t ‘hide’ from failure

May 21, 2025 01:28 PM IST

CSK head coach Stephen Fleming didn't mince his words as he spoke about the side's six-wicket loss to Rajasthan Royals.

Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming offered a brutally honest assessment of his team’s underwhelming IPL campaign, saying it is “probably fitting" that the side is at the bottom of the table after its six-wicket loss to Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday. The defeat confirmed that the five-time champions are set to finish last on the points table, a rare sight in the league’s history, considering CSK’s consistent success since the beginning of the tournament in 2008.

Chennai Super Kings' captain MS Dhoni (C) along with his teammates walks back after defeat to Rajasthan Royals(AFP)
Chennai Super Kings' captain MS Dhoni (C) along with his teammates walks back after defeat to Rajasthan Royals(AFP)

Speaking after the match, Fleming didn’t hold back in acknowledging how far the side has fallen this season.

“No, we don't obviously like being down here, but it's not a motivation. We wanted just a good performance. We're trying to string some performances together. The aim was two good performances (in last two matches). Now it'll be one good one to finish. It's probably fitting that we're at the bottom. We've played that type of cricket, so you can't hide away from it,” he said.

Fleming highlighted the misfiring top order as a major reason behind CSK’s struggles. The side was forced to change opening combinations owing to inconsistent performances, with youngsters Ayush Mhatre and Anshul Kamboj finally impressing towards the end of the league stages.

“Our order is not right at this stage, and that is something that we are always looking to rejig. We've got some strong ideas for next year, so all those facets are covered. But that hasn't been possible this year because of the lack of runs at the top,” he explained.

“A lot of the batting positions are determined by how well a start we have, and then guys can fall into line. We haven't had that. So we've been just patching innings up, really, rather than constructing good innings.”

Fleming praises youngster Kamboj

Despite the overall disappointment, Fleming praised young pacer Anshul Kamboj for emerging as a bright spot.

“His speeds have been around 138, 139 (kph). He is deceptive and the ball always seems to hit the gloves harder. His big strength is his length and he just gets the ball to wobble... He'll be an absolute handful. He has got some real potential with both white and red ball. We're happy with his development and the opportunity he has taken this year.”

On Matheesha Pathirana, Fleming was cautious but optimistic. “We have high expectations of him, which is why we retained him… He's made improvements, but it's still not to where we or he would like. So there's some room for him to get some form and get some confidence.”

Catch all the latest Cricket News, Cricket Schedule, ICC Rankings and live score . Follow top players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and stay updated on every thrilling moment from the India vs England series with including IND vs ENG LIVE News.
Catch all the latest Cricket News, Cricket Schedule, ICC Rankings and live score . Follow top players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and stay updated on every thrilling moment from the India vs England series with including IND vs ENG LIVE News.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
SHARE
close
Story Saved
Live Score
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
Get App