IPL 2025: Another insipid CSK display deflates Chepauk, Fleming vows to find positives

Judging by the lofty standards it has set, Chepauk wore a sparse look even deep into the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) match between Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday.

One could chalk it down to CSK’s indifferent form and uninspiring brand of cricket this season. The lack of enthusiasm seemingly spilt over onto the pitch, as CSK was bundled out for 154 after being asked to bat.

But Chepauk’s less-than-capacity crowd gained a dash of vigour in the second innings, driven out of a concoction of desperation and passion. It showed the heart to baulk, cheer, and whistle some life back into its team as it tried to gain a grip in the game.

The CSK fans applauded for every dot ball, clamoured for every run saved on the field, and roared for every SRH wicket to fall as their team clung on.

But crowd support can only take you so far. In the face of a defiant sixth-wicket stand between Kamindu Mendis and Nitish Kumar Reddy, CSK wilted, prompting a simultaneous deflation in the stands.

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CSK eventually folded to a five-wicket defeat and now has its playoff hopes hidden high in the attics of improbability, while its fans have their morale sunk deep into the basement.

The magnitude of disappointment CSK has served its supporters this season weighs heavily on the team’s coach, Stephen Fleming.

“When we see the amount of yellow turn up game after game, there is a responsibility that we feel, and it is a heavy one; to not reward that with performances weighs very heavily on the group. We have had some good seasons, but this is not a good season. Still, the fan support has been unwavering,” said Fleming at the post-match press conference.

“When the players come to play for Chennai, one thing they look forward to is being in yellow in front of a yellow crowd. To not perform up to our expectations, but more importantly, the fans’ expectations, leaves us very empty,” Fleming admitted.

The Super Kings’ coach also vowed that he and his team would do everything in their power to end the 2025 season on a positive note and chart a course for a better campaign next year.

“What they [fans] will get is an absolutely strong commitment that we will do everything in the next few matches to play well. We still want to win games, but we also will do everything we can to improve the squad, our philosophy, and there will be no stone in terms of reviewing what we have done and what we need to do, and that is a commitment that I will give back to them,” said Fleming.

For CSK, IPL 2025 has turned from gloomy to sombre over the last two weeks. Fleming’s words could be the balm of assurance the team’s fragile fandom needs right now.