Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are on the brink of being eliminated from IPL 2025 playoff contention after suffering their seventh defeat of the season, a crushing loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Saturday. This defeat, which came by five wickets, was also their fourth consecutive loss at the Chepauk, marking a rare slump for the franchise. For the first time since 2008 and 2010, CSK has faced such a downfall at home, with SRH finally registering a win at Chepauk after six attempts.
In the aftermath of the loss, CSK’s head coach, Stephen Fleming, addressed the team’s struggles and pointed the finger at the previous year’s mega auction strategy. The loss to SRH was just another blow in a season that has seen CSK struggle to find consistency, particularly with the bat. Fleming admitted that the auction strategy, which had been intended to strengthen the squad, hadn’t quite paid off as expected.
“We Haven’t Got It Completely Right”
Fleming, while reflecting on the season, acknowledged that the team’s performance hasn’t lived up to expectations. He said, “It is hard to say we got it completely right with the performances that we have had.” He further explained that CSK has been reviewing their style of play and how the game has evolved, but admitted that despite the team’s rich history, the competition has intensified, and other teams have improved.
He also mentioned that the team has not been able to find any consistent batters this season, and the injury to Ruturaj Gaikwad has further hindered their chances. “So you take responsibility from the top down and then you just ask a little more of the players,” Fleming added.
“The Auction Is Not a Perfect Science”
When discussing the failure of the auction strategy, Fleming acknowledged the unpredictability of the process. “It is also not perfect science. The auction is a very fluid beast. It’s like buying [for] 25 hours and see it come away at the end of it mentally and sometimes physically exhausted,” he said. Despite the setbacks, Fleming emphasized that the squad still had potential, stating, “I still think we have got a good squad. We are not far away.”
However, he noted that a combination of injuries, lack of form, and a failure to find the right game plan have contributed to their struggles. “We’ve chopped and changed too much. I think it was trying to look for something that perhaps we felt wasn’t there,” Fleming said. Reflecting on the team’s shortcomings, he took full responsibility, saying, “It certainly starts with me at the top, 100%.”
Can CSK Stage a Resurgence?
Looking ahead, CSK still has a chance to turn their fortunes around, but they need a dramatic change. Their next fixture is against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Chennai on Wednesday, and they will need a near-perfect performance to keep their playoff hopes alive. Fleming is hopeful for a surprise resurgence, but the team’s recent inconsistency has left many questioning if CSK can still turn it around.
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