Stephen Fleming, head coach of Chennai Super Kings, was candid about CSK’s latest defeat to Punjab Kings, their fourth in a row in IPL 2025. Despite some improvements with the bat, Fleming highlighted subpar fielding and poor execution as key reasons for the 18-run loss.
CSK’s openers, Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway, finally put up a solid start, stitching together 61 runs in 6.3 overs. However, the middle order once again faltered, and the asking rate climbed sharply. MS Dhoni came in at No. 5 and struck three sixes in a quickfire 27, but couldn’t prevent another defeat.
Catching Woes Continue
CSK dropped five crucial catches, including two of Priyansh Arya, who made them pay with a record-setting 103 off 42 balls. Khaleel Ahmed missed a return catch early, and Mukesh Choudhary dropped a high one at long-off in the 12th over.
Ravindra also dropped Shashank Singh on 38, who then went on to make a match-changing 52*. Those final four overs cost CSK 49 runs.
Not Far, But Not There Yet
Fleming emphasized the need for a consistent top-order performance:
Despite the defeat, CSK saw some positives in their batting, and Fleming believes they are not far from turning things around.
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