Chennai Super Kings’ head coach, Stephen Fleming, is still standing by the team’s experience, even though they’ve struggled in the Indian Premier League 2025. CSK is sitting at the bottom of the points table with just three wins out of 12 matches. Fleming believes that the seasoned players haven’t been able to deliver as expected.
He mentioned before their match against Rajasthan Royals in Delhi, I don’t really care how old the players are. I like experience; it has worked well for us in the past. This year hasn’t gone as planned, and that could be due to form, strategy, or other factors. Fleming noted that the competition is tough, and after being consistent for so many years, it’s tough for everyone when things don’t go right, especially given how well other teams are performing.
The 2025 IPL season has been rough for CSK, and Fleming admitted their auction strategy might have played a part. They brought back familiar faces like R. Ashwin, who has done well for them before, and tried to bring back the form of players like Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, and Vijay Shankar, but it hasn’t worked out. We need to review everything we’re doing now and have done in the past to make sure we keep up with modern philosophies and also spot new talent, he explained.
Fleming added, It’s good to want a team full of younger players, but you have to find them first. You have to make sure they fit in. I still believe in experience. If you look at the top run-scorers and wicket-takers, many of them are experienced, but they are also mixed with some incredible performances from younger players who are playing without fear.”