Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming has never been one to shy away from accountability, and his latest comments perfectly reflect his honesty and leadership. In the wake of a disappointing IPL 2025 season for CSK, Fleming openly admitted that other teams have outperformed them, especially in terms of auction strategies. “Other teams have got better, and that’s the point of the auction. But we just haven’t been able to get it right. So you take responsibility from the top down, and you just ask a little bit more of the players,” Fleming said, in a candid assessment of the franchise’s current situation.
CSK, one of the most decorated teams in IPL history, has found themselves unusually out of sorts this year. The team, which has built its legacy on consistency, smart planning, and powerful team spirit, appears to have faltered at crucial stages, both at the auction table and on the field. Fleming’s admission points to a deep-rooted understanding that success in the IPL is increasingly about getting the team composition absolutely spot on, something CSK has traditionally excelled at but struggled with this season.
The 2025 auction was fiercely competitive, with teams reshaping their cores to meet the evolving demands of T20 cricket. Several franchises invested heavily in emerging Indian talents and explosive overseas stars, creating balanced units that have dominated the tournament. CSK, on the other hand, seemed to miscalculate — retaining a few aging stars, failing to fill some key gaps, and not acquiring enough firepower in either the batting or bowling departments. This has translated into inconsistent performances and frustrating losses throughout the campaign.
Fleming’s remarks also underscore the collective nature of the team’s culture. By taking responsibility “from the top down,” he emphasized that the management, coaching staff, and senior players must all own the failure together, rather than placing the blame solely on the playing XI. It’s a refreshing approach in a world where it’s often easier to scapegoat individuals when results don’t go according to plan.
He also called upon the players to dig deeper and demand more from themselves. In T20 cricket, individual brilliance often swings matches, and while CSK has seen glimpses of magic from their big names, it has not been consistent enough to carry them through tough situations. Fleming’s statement was a clear call for players to take personal responsibility, show resilience, and fight harder even when the odds are stacked against them.
Despite the disappointment, there is a silver lining. Fleming’s words suggest that CSK is aware of where they went wrong and are determined to fix it. One of CSK great strengths over the years has been their ability to learn from mistakes, back their core philosophy, and come back stronger. With leaders like Fleming and MS Dhoni involved, few would bet against CSK recalibrating and launching a strong comeback in the future seasons.
While the 2025 season might not go down as a golden chapter in CSK’s storied history, Fleming’s honesty and clear-eyed analysis could be exactly what the team needs to rebuild. Acknowledging mistakes is the first step toward improvement, and with the right strategies and renewed hunger, CSK could soon be back where their fans expect them to be — at the top.