Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
On Friday, March 28, the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) registered their first defeat at home against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in 17 years. The hosts, went down to register their biggest defeat by runs as they lost the clash by 50 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai in IPL 2025. After winning the toss, Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side invited the visitors to put the score first on the board. The Rajat Patidar-led side posted a competitive score of 196/7 in the 20 overs, courtesy a 32-ball 51 from skipper’s bat.
However, it was an above par score on a slow wicket, CSK found it visibly difficult to chase the 197-run target. Although, Rachin Ravindra played a 31-ball 41, other batters from the lineup failed to assist him and departed at crucial intervals. MS Dhoni, who walked out at number nine, played a quickfire 16-ball 30, but it was just too late to get past the score.
It is a positive brand of cricket. Don't discount us: Stephen Fleming’s fiery response to journalist
Seeing this, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming was questioned about the team’s “outdated” batting appraoch, which left the former New Zealand cricketer visibily fuming. During the post-match press conference, a reporter asked Fleming, "In the first game, you chased 156 in almost 20 overs. Today, you scored 146. I know this is your way of playing cricket, but do you think it's kind of getting outdated?"
However, Fleming didn’t mince his words as he quickly snapped back and replied, "What do you mean by my way of playing?" Although, the journalist then tried to reason with him, putting forth other teams’ results, the former New Zealand opening batter was simply not pleased. In return, he angrily responded, "You talk about firepower. We have got firepower all the way through. I don't understand this question. Just because we don't swing from ball No.1 and have some luck go our way, just see the end, who wins it. It is a positive brand of cricket. Don't discount us."
The exchange did not end here as the reporter tried to present his side of the argument saying, “I am not discounting you” to which Fleming said,” You sort of are. Silly question.” The former New Zealander also reiterated that he believes in no “home advantage” as the team is strugglign to read the pitches in the IPL 2025.
The Yellow Army will aim to put this defeat at their back of the mind now and move to their next assignment where they will take on Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday, March 30. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side will then return to their home for a match against Delhi Capitals, scheduled for April 5.
