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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming has voiced his disappointment after his side slumped to their fourth consecutive defeat in IPL 2025, falling to a dominant Punjab Kings (PBKS) outfit in Mullanpur. Fleming pointed to poor fielding and underwhelming top-order batting as the primary reasons behind CSK’s struggles this season.
CSK’s latest defeat came on the back of a record-breaking century by PBKS batter Priyansh Arya, who blazed his way to 103 off just 42 balls, the fastest ever by an uncapped player in IPL history. His knock helped PBKS post a daunting 220-run target, which CSK failed to chase down, finishing on 201/5 in their 20 overs.
“The game was lost in the field”: Stephen Fleming
In a candid post-match press conference, Fleming didn’t mince words about CSK’s performance. “It’s been a frustrating season so far. The catching has been poor, but it was poor from both sides tonight. Whether it was something in the light, I’m not sure, but certainly for us, that was an area of concern,” he said.
He admitted that CSK’s fielding lapses handed PBKS key moments, especially during Arya’s innings, where dropped chances proved costly. “The game was really lost in the field. I thought we were sloppy, and we just lacked accuracy under pressure at certain times,” Fleming noted, adding that these issues have been a recurring theme throughout the season.
CSK’s top order under the scanner
Fleming also pointed fingers at inconsistent performances from CSK’s top order, which have left the middle and lower order with too much to do. In earlier games, including their loss to RCB at Chepauk, similar concerns were evident. Fleming had described their fielding then as “clumsy,” with missed opportunities allowing opponents to take control.
Despite having a stable core featuring Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni, CSK have failed to deliver consistent results. Gaikwad, who took over the captaincy from Dhoni last season, is yet to find the right rhythm to lead the side out of its current slump.
Also WATCH: Preity Zinta celebrates in joy after Priyansh Arya’s maiden ton in PBKS vs CSK match at IPL 2025
Must-win territory approaching for the Super Kings
With four defeats on the trot, CSK now find themselves in must-win territory if they are to remain in contention for the playoffs. The pressure is mounting from both fans and pundits, as the five-time champions look far from their championship-winning best.
The Super Kings need for a swift turnaround as they prepare to face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Friday, April 11, at their home ground in Chennai.
With the season entering a crucial phase, CSK will need to rediscover their form—and fast—if they hope to salvage their IPL 2025 campaign.
