LSG vs CSK, IPL 2025: Chennai Super Kings coach Fleming confident of players finding form

Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming on Sunday expressed disappointment about his team’s lack of competition in Friday’s eight-wicket loss to Kolkata Knight Riders in Chennai.

Mentioning that there’s been significant work on identifying what needs to be done, he emphasised the importance of delivering a performance that’s representative of the proud franchise they are.

“I think the disappointing aspect particularly in the last game was the lack of competition we put up, and that hurt a lot. There’s certainly been a lot of internal soul-searching, but also a lot of work around what we need to do. It’s important that we put out a performance that is representative of the proud franchise that we are.

“So yes, there’s a lot of hurt that we can turn into motivation, but it’s not about words. It’s about players grabbing the moment, finding form, finding their groove, and almost shaking off any apprehension,” he said on the eve of CSK’s IPL match against Lucknow Super Giants here.

Acknowledging Dhoni’s prominent influence on the team, he clarified that Dhoni hasn’t got a magic wand to instantly fix things. “His influence will always be prominent. But he hasn’t got a magic wand. He can’t just rub it over the side, otherwise he would have brought it out earlier. It’s a case of us working very hard, along with MS, to turn it around.

Asked about CSK’s relatively poor six-hitting when compared to the other teams, he noted that the conditions play a significant role and that hitting sixes is not always easy, especially in challenging situations like their last match in Chennai. ​

“It (six-hitting) is not everything. I know there’s a fascination with power and six-hitting, but there are also a couple of teams doing well with good craft. I’d be very sad if the day came to us just being like a baseball competition and talking about sixes and fours.

“The beauty of the game is there’s still a balance between bat and ball, and in some cases there’s not. I love the skill and the ability to do that. It’s phenomenal from an athlete’s point of view, but for the good of the game, balance is still really important.”

ALSO READ | Faltering Chennai Super Kings takes on Lucknow Super Giants

“Our last game in Chennai was tricky. They (KKR) hit two or three when they were batting in the second innings, but for our boys, whether it’s a lack of confidence or intent, it’s not that easy.

“There’s still room for craft, and you’re still seeing top-class players playing pivotal innings when it (the pitch) is not flat like a road. I just hope the balance can remain, because while it’s great to watch and we admire the skill set, the game is still about a balance between bat and ball,” he said.

Shivam Dube went down with what appeared to be some discomfort in his leg and was attended to before the last ball of CSK’s innings in its last match versus KKR.

Fleming said: “We were a little bit worried, but I think it was a little bit of a cramp. He travelled well, and he looks to be moving okay, so we’re hopeful that there won’t be another injury.” Dube was seen batting in the nets on Sunday.

He also addressed Nicholas Pooran’s threat. “I think he’s the best (T20) player in the world at the moment by some distance. He’s consistent, powerful, and a real threat. You can’t say anything otherwise. To get him out and keep him in check, will be a big part of winning the game tomorrow.”