Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming expressed disappointment after his team slumped to their fourth consecutive loss in IPL 2025, this time against Punjab Kings. While he acknowledged an improved batting effort, Fleming was critical of CSK’s poor fielding and inability to execute under pressure.
For the first time this season, CSK’s openers batted beyond the powerplay. Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway gave CSK a strong start, adding 61 runs in just 6.3 overs while chasing 220. However, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s early exit disrupted the momentum, and the middle order struggled to maintain the scoring rate. With the required run rate climbing, MS Dhoni stepped up with a brisk 27 off 12 balls, smashing three sixes. However, his late effort wasn’t enough, and CSK ended up 18 runs short of the target.
Fleming acknowledged a few positives from CSK’s performance, particularly the improved top-order batting. “There was some substance at the top, which helped us set up the chase,” he said. “But we couldn’t maintain control in the middle overs, and the required rate eventually got out of reach.”
However, he was critical of CSK’s fielding, which he felt was the key reason behind the defeat. The team dropped multiple vital catches, including two let-offs for Priyansh Arya, who went on to smash a 39-ball century. Arya was dropped on 6 by Khaleel Ahmed and again on 73 by Mukesh Choudhary. Later, Rachin Ravindra missed a chance to dismiss Shashank Singh, who went on to remain unbeaten on 52.
Fleming didn’t hold back in his assessment. “The game was lost in the field,” he admitted. “We lacked precision under pressure. Arya played a brilliant innings, but we need to be sharper in those moments.”
Despite the loss, he remained optimistic. “We weren’t too far off—just 18 runs. It’s frustrating, but encouraging to see better starts. Now, we need to carry that momentum through the entire innings.”
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