The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season has been an uncharacteristically challenging campaign for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the most successful franchises in IPL history. Head coach Stephen Fleming recently opened up about the team’s struggles, the integration of promising young talent, and the timeless value of experience — even as injuries and form issues have shaken the five-time champions to their core.
CSK’s ‘Poor Season’ Shakes Foundations of a Dominant IPL Franchise
Stephen Fleming’s candid admission that “one poor season has shaken everybody” captures the unprecedented turbulence for the Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025. The franchise, known for its consistent playoff appearances and championship pedigree, finds itself at the bottom of the points table — a place unthinkable just a few years ago.
Fleming acknowledged the fierce competition and the narrow margins that define modern IPL cricket, saying, “It hasn’t worked out quite well for us this year. It could be form, strategy, or many factors.” The coach stressed that despite the setbacks, the core philosophy of blending experience with emerging talent remains central to the team’s rebuilding approach.
The Youthful Surge: Rising Stars Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, and Urvil Patel Impress
Injuries, including a crucial blow to captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, forced CSK’s hand in IPL 2025, leading to an uncharacteristic overhaul of the squad. Fleming’s gamble on young players like Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, and Urvil Patel has paid dividends, offering hope for a brighter future.
These youngsters brought a fresh, fearless style to CSK’s batting lineup, injecting energy and resilience into a team otherwise weighed down by inconsistent performances from veterans. Their impressive displays underline a shift within the franchise, hinting at a new generation ready to take the mantle forward.
Fleming said, “The youth and talent in this country is something you can’t ignore.” This comment highlights a growing trend in the IPL where fearless, young players are rapidly climbing the league’s batting charts, posing a challenge to the dominance of experience.
Experience Still Rules: Fleming’s Enduring Faith in Veterans and MS Dhoni’s Role
Despite the influx of young talent, Fleming remains a steadfast supporter of CSK’s veteran players. The coach underlined that experience often proves decisive in pressure situations and is critical for tournament success.
“I’m a fan of experience, experience wins tournaments,” Fleming asserted, defending CSK’s long-standing philosophy of relying on seasoned players, particularly those beyond 30 years of age.
This philosophy is closely tied to the presence of MS Dhoni, CSK’s iconic captain. Amid speculation about Dhoni’s future—especially after his rare appearances down the batting order and stepping in as stand-in captain following Gaikwad’s injury—Fleming offered a succinct but telling response when asked about Dhoni’s next season: “I don’t know.”
Dhoni, retained as an uncapped player for INR 4 crore, continues to be a pivotal figure in the dressing room, providing leadership and calm amid the storm. Fleming emphasized the intangible impact experienced players bring, stating their presence in the team “has certainly had a positive impact” even in a difficult season.
CSK’s Road Ahead: Learning, Regenerating, and Staying True to Core Values
For a franchise that has never finished at the bottom of the IPL table before, this season’s struggles serve as a wake-up call. Fleming stressed the need for a thorough review and a strategic approach moving forward.
“The challenge for us is making sure we go over everything we are doing to keep up with evolving philosophies,” he said. The balance between nurturing young talent and leveraging experience will remain a cornerstone of CSK’s approach as they seek to rebuild a competitive squad for IPL 2026.
With the franchise’s recent victory over Kolkata Knight Riders offering a glimmer of hope, Fleming underlined the importance of finishing the season strongly to restore pride and momentum.