‘I Don’t Care How Old Players Are’ Stephen Fleming On CSK’s Youthification
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming has acknowledged that while the franchise continues to value experience, the need to embrace young talent has become essential to ensure sustained success in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Speaking at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Monday (May 19), ahead of CSK’s clash with Rajasthan Royals, Fleming opened up about the team’s evolving approach to squad building amid a challenging season.
Unlike Rajasthan Royals, who entered IPL 2025 with one of the youngest squads, CSK stuck to its tried-and-tested formula of fielding seasoned campaigners. However, a spate of injuries mid-season forced the team to bring in Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, and Urvil Patel — fresh faces who have made an immediate impact.
These new signings added to the emergence of Shaik Rasheed and Anshul Kamboj, both of whom began getting chances once CSK’s playoff hopes dwindled just past the halfway mark.
When asked whether this pivot to youth was a reactive strategy or a long-term change in vision, Fleming was clear: it’s about finding the right balance.
“I don’t care how old the players are,” Fleming said. “Experience has served us well for years. But this season hasn’t gone to plan. We now need to review our methods and adapt, without losing sight of what has made us successful.”
Fleming noted that while experience still dominates the top scorers and wicket-takers list, it’s the fearless energy of youth that has tilted matches this season. The key, he stressed, lies in finding the right mix — combining veterans’ wisdom with young players’ fearlessness.
Importantly, IPL rules now allow teams to retain both ruled-out players and their replacements, offering CSK the chance to rebuild a fresh core without entirely depending on the auction. With MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja’s roles reducing, this offers CSK a rare transition window.
“These young players have had a real impact, which is one of the positives from a tough season,” Fleming added. “This is the regeneration phase. Experience wins tournaments, yes — but India’s youth talent is too good to ignore.”
CSK might be down this season, but Fleming’s words make one thing clear — they are planning a sharp, calculated resurgence for 2026.
