Having lost six of their eight matches, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are staring at a first-round exit from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. They are currently languishing at the bottom of the 10-team points table.

In their last fixture, CSK suffered a crushing nine-wicket defeat against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium.

Despite the dismal show, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming has emphasized that the franchise has not given up on the season yet and will take inspiration from what Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) did last year to qualify for the playoffs.

“Well, we are still hopeful of winning six out of six. Some will giggle at that, but RCB set a blueprint for that the year before,” Fleming said on the eve of CSK’s match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Chepauk.

“But we’re also aware that if it doesn’t work out, we’ve got to make the most of what has been a poor season. There won’t be a wasted game or a wasted opportunity in the next few weeks. And the players know that as well,” he added.

“The work we did when we were in a similar position in the past set us up to win the title the following year. So, we’re certainly aware of what needs to be done and how we can go about it.”

In the ongoing season, the five-time champions seem to lack the firepower and their demoralized batting and bowling units don’t inspire much confidence either. 

After the defeat against MI, stand-in skipper MS Dhoni hinted that the team may be looking ahead to the next season by testing their bench strength and searching for the right combinations.

When asked if the Super Kings will give more opportunities to the youngsters, Fleming replied: “We haven’t been neglecting youth. (Ayush) Mhatre looked very good in the last game. It excites us as we have one eye on the future. But it’s a balance. It’s not all about youth. It’s not all about guys being too old. You’ve just got to make sure that the right temperament is in the player. And I’m not worried about how old they are.”

(The Hindu inputs)