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"Experience Wins Tournaments" Fleming Clears Air On CSK's New Approach With Youth

Akshita Patel

Stephen Fleming on CSK's youth approach [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @ChennaiIPL/X.com]Stephen Fleming on CSK's youth approach [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @ChennaiIPL/X.com]

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming has made it clear that the team is not moving away from its “experience-first” philosophy. Speaking to News 18, Fleming said that the team’s recent shift towards younger players is about maintaining balance, not changing identity.

CSK touched a new low in the IPL 2025 season with the 5-time champions being the first team to be out of the playoff contention. With 3 wins in 12 games, the Yellow Army is seated at the bottom of the table.

Meanwhile, despite a failure this year, Chennai management is keen on having experienced players on their side while also having youth to balance things out.

Stephen Fleming Opens Up On CSK’s Tweaked Philosophy

Ahead of CSK’s next fixture against RR, head coach Stephen Fleming spoke to News 18 and said that doors are open for young players. But the team won’t budge on having more experienced players in the squad since experience wins tournaments.

“I don’t care how old the players are. The experience has served us really well over the past years that we have had. The challenge for us is making sure that we go over everything that we are doing and have done in the past, to make sure we are keeping up with the philosophies, but also identifying talent," Fleming said.

This year, injuries to key senior players during the season forced CSK to give chances to young talents like Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, and Urvil Patel, all of whom impressed with their performances.

Still, Fleming insisted this was not a major strategy change but rather a way of adapting to the current situation. 

“(The youngsters) have certainly had an impact which is positive from a season that has been a challenge. But we realised that early on that we were off pace. So to be able to introduce these players, they are definitely in line for the future as we regenerate the team and redevelop or reconfirm our philosophy of how we want to play. My point has always been a mixture of youth and experience. I am a fan of experience, experience wins tournaments. But the youth and talent in this country is something you can’t ignore," he added.

In short, CSK is not becoming a ‘youth-only’ team, but is looking for a healthy mix to stay competitive. It’s all about balance and getting the right players, not just young ones.

MS Dhoni Unlikely To Retire Soon

As IPL 2025 resumes, the future of MS Dhoni is not clear. Despite fitness issues and CSK's poor performance, according to a Times of India report, Dhoni hasn't ruled out retirement and could play for IPL 2026. CSK officials are optimistic, and Dhoni will evaluate his fitness before reaching a decision.