IPL 2025: Fleming on CSK's Form Struggles Following Loss to RR
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Synopsis
Chennai Super Kings' head coach Stephen Fleming discussed the team's struggles to score big following their six-run loss to Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025. He highlighted the challenges of adapting to a new squad while emphasizing their commitment to regaining form.
Key Takeaways
- CSK's struggle to find form continues.
- Adjusting to a new team composition is challenging.
- Powerplay performance significantly impacted the match.
- Fleming emphasizes the need for improvement in both batting and fielding.
- CSK prepares to face Delhi Capitals next.
Guwahati, March 31 (NationPress) Chennai Super Kings' head coach Stephen Fleming commented on the team's difficulties in achieving significant scores after their narrow six-run defeat to Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2025 season. He emphasized that the squad is diligently working to recover their form, although adjusting to a new lineup and combinations in this cycle is proving challenging.
CSK fell short by six runs against RR on Sunday night, marking their second consecutive loss in IPL 2025.
CSK successfully restricted the Royals to 182/9. Nitish Rana was the standout performer for the hosts, scoring 81 runs off just 36 balls. In response, CSK's captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was the top scorer with 63 runs from 44 balls, while Ravindra Jadeja remained not out on 32. MS Dhoni added 16 runs before being dismissed in the final over, leaving the five-time champions with 176/6 in their chase of 183.
Each season presents unique challenges, and with this new group, we are learning about effective combinations and understanding player capabilities. The commencement of a three-year cycle can be tough, especially when struggling for form. We are diligently trying to recover that form, although we are making mistakes along the way, as stated by Fleming in the post-match press conference.
He remarked, "Our performance in the first six overs with the ball was lacking. However, I thought the subsequent 14 overs were outstanding, showcasing the potential we possess. We need to improve our batting further, but there is still more work ahead."
During the powerplay, Royals raced to 79 for 1, while CSK managed only 42 runs. Fleming attributed the six-run defeat to their shortcomings in the powerplay, asserting that control was lost during those initial overs.
"Analyzing the match, the two powerplays were crucial. Our bowling in the powerplay conceded nearly 80 runs, while we only achieved mid-40s. This disparity was evident on the scoreboard. Additionally, we were sloppy in the field compared to the exceptional performance of Rajasthan. Those are the immediate takeaways from this match," Fleming noted.
Currently positioned seventh with two points from three matches, CSK will return home to face Delhi Capitals on Saturday at Chepauk.
