CSK nearing best XI despite injuries, Fleming backs Brevis for late surge
Synopsis
Fleming's message is clear: CSK's injury-hit rebuild is nearing completion, and the XI that takes the field in the tournament's back half will be their strongest yet. With Brevis waiting in the wings and the bowling finally clicking, CSK are positioning themselves as a late-tournament threat despite their middling table position.
Key Takeaways
Stephen Fleming said CSK is 'pretty close' to settling on its best playing eleven despite injuries.
Dewald Brevis has scored just 64 runs in six innings but Fleming backs him to deliver in the latter stages.
CSK sit sixth with eight points on the line in their Arun Jaitley Stadium clash.
Bowling unit improvements include Kamboj's death-overs form and Jamie Overton's pace contribution.
Fleming emphasised squad rotation with Sanju Samson , noting multiple in-form batters provide tactical flexibility.
Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming on Tuesday said the franchise is approaching its optimal playing combination despite setbacks from injuries to key personnel, while expressing confidence that batter Dewald Brevis will deliver in the tournament's latter stages. Sixth-placed CSK face a clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, with victory pushing them to eight points.
The XI-building process
Fleming acknowledged that CSK's injury struggles have delayed team consolidation but stressed the squad is close to finalising its best eleven. "We've been hampered a little bit by injuries to some key players, but it has been a process," he told broadcasters. "We restarted this year, so the process of giving evidence around players has taken a bit of time, but we think we're pretty close."
Brevis on the comeback trail
Brevis, who has accumulated just 64 runs across six innings, missed CSK's opening three matches and has had sporadic opportunities since. Fleming, however, dismissed concerns about the batter's form. "There's still time," Fleming said. "It's been a little bit spasmodic for him, but he's doing everything right. The work behind the scenes — how players train, their mental state — he's very positive. Hopefully the back end of the tournament, he owns it."
Bowling unit silences critics
CSK's bowling attack drew early criticism but has since found its rhythm. Fleming credited targeted improvements and personnel changes. "It was talked about being quite weak, but we knew we had players in certain roles that were in great form," he said. Kamboj has flourished in death-overs assignments, while Jamie Overton's pace and the form of spinner Noor Ahmad have bolstered the unit. "There's a really nice balance to that attack," Fleming added.
Rotation strategy with Samson
On wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson's fluctuating returns, Fleming emphasised the value of squad depth. "If you got a century every three, four, five games, I'd be pretty happy," he said. The coach stressed that having multiple players in form — rather than relying on one standout — enables the team to manage dips in individual form and rotate strategically. "That's what you're looking for as a coach," Fleming concluded.
Point of View
Not first. The injury narrative is convenient — it explains underperformance without indicting squad construction or team balance. Brevis's 64 runs in six games is not a 'process'; it's a red flag. And while the bowling has improved, CSK's batting order remains brittle. Fleming is right that the back half matters, but reaching it from sixth place with three weeks left requires wins, not process narratives.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Stephen Fleming say about CSK's playing eleven?
Fleming said CSK is 'pretty close' to settling on its best playing eleven despite injuries to key players. He noted the squad was restarted this year and the process of evaluating players has taken time, but they are nearing their optimal combination.
How has Dewald Brevis performed in IPL 2026?
Brevis has scored 64 runs across six innings. He missed CSK's opening three matches and has had limited opportunities since, but Fleming expressed confidence he will contribute significantly in the tournament's latter stages.
Why has CSK's bowling improved?
Fleming credited targeted work and personnel changes. Key improvements include Kamboj's success in death-overs roles, Jamie Overton's pace, and Noor Ahmad's recent form. The unit has moved from early criticism to achieving balance, Fleming said.
What is CSK's current standing in IPL 2026?
CSK sits sixth with a win at the Arun Jaitley Stadium potentially lifting them to eight points. They are in the middle of the table despite their status as a traditional powerhouse.
