Chennai Super Kings have been the most consistent team in the history of IPL. They have won three titles and have reached the finals eight times. However they haven’t been at their best in IPL 2020 and are placed last in the IPL 2020 points table. CSK tephen Fleming conceded that management always knew that the team was going to face issues with an aging squad heading into the ongoing IPL 2020. MS Dhoni-led CSK are staring at the possibility of not qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in the IPL history after another defeat at the hands of Rajasthan Royals by 7 wickets in Abu Dhabi.
“It’s fair to say looking at the table now that this team may have run out of juice. If you’re looking at the three-year cycle – we won the first year; lost off the last ball last year, and we always thought that the third year with an aging squad would be difficult. And Dubai [UAE] has challenged us with a whole new set of requirements,” Stephen Fleming said at the post-match press conference after CSK lost against Rajasthan. Fleming revealed that the CSK camp was dejected after the loss against Rajasthan Royals as they knew the significance of yesterday’s match in their quest for a playoff spot. “It’s pretty down (morale in the dressing room) to be honest. We have come close in a couple of games but today we were thoroughly outplayed. We knew it was a crucial game to stay real in the competition. I think there’s an outside chance that we can possibly get through, but when you’re relying on other results and a change of form for your own team, it’s very hard to be upbeat and positive,” said the former NZ coach.
CSK now have four games remaining and neet to win all their matches in order to stand a chance to qualify for the playoffs of IPL 2020. ” There is an outside chance that we can possibly get through but when you are relying on other results and a change in form for your own team, it is very hard to be upbeat and positive.” Said Fleming. The task isn’t easy as CSK, who were already without Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh will now be without the services of Dwayne Bravo, who was ruled out due to an injury.