Follow UsCSK find themselves in a similar situation to RCB from IPL 2024, as they have to win six out of their last six games to qualify for the playoffs. However, the road to the playoffs isn’t easy, as the five-time IPL champions will have to win against SRH on April 25 (Friday), at home.
Ahead of their clash, CSK’s head coach Stephen Fleming reckoned that RCB have set the blueprint in IPL 2024, which he believes the five-time champions can emulate.
“Well, we are hopeful of winning six out of six [last league games]. Some will giggle at that, but RCB set a blueprint for that in 2024. So while there’s still a chance, we have one eye on making sure we have the best players for this game playing,” said Fleming.
However, at the same time, Fleming reckoned that they had to make the most of the poor reasons, even if they were setting themselves up for the future.
“We’re aware that if it doesn’t work out, we’ve got to make the most of what has been a poor season. And the work we did in the past when we were in this position 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,” said Fleming.
CSK, very unlike themselves, handed an IPL debut to the 17-year-old sensation Ayush Mhatre. On his IPL debut, the right-hander absolutely smashed the leather, scoring a 15-ball 32, with four fours and two sixes. Fleming credited the youngster, stating that it ‘excited him’ to have one eye on the future.
“We’re at an interesting point where we have had a core group of Indian players. And we’ve added to that over the last few years with the likes of Ambati Rayudu and Ajinkya Rahane. But we haven’t been neglecting youth. Ayush Mhatre had an opportunity in the last game and looked good.
“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. It’s somewhere in the middle where you get a mix of experience,” added Fleming.