“Shaken” they can be after a horrible season, but Chennai’s Super Kings will not compromise on experience in the future, coach Stephen Fleming hinted on Monday, saying that the experience is winning tournaments. The New Zealander, however, promised to invest in talented young people in the next three years. Considering the criticisms of excessive dependence on veteran players and obsolete strategies, the 2023 champions languish at the bottom of the table with two games on the left this season. When asked if the performance of Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel and Noor Ahmed convinced the team management to put themselves in the banking on young people, Fleming gave them a credit. “They certainly had an impact which is positive of a season which was a challenge. But we realized that early we were out of pace. So, to be able to present these players, they are definitely online for the future when we regenerate the team and redeveloping or reconfirm our philosophy of the way we want to play,” said Fleming before their conflict against Rajasthan Royals.
“My point has always been a mixture of young people and experience. I am a fan of experience, experience gains tournaments. But young people and talents in this country are something that you cannot ignore.”
Questioned specifically how they plan to rebuild, the New Zealander said that they would examine the young talents available.
“We have had a lot of questions before talking about some of the players we introduced. It is exciting for this three -year cycle. One of the challenges around the IPL is every three years that you have to recreate your side. It is also a beauty and a beast.”
Fleming said that age does not matter for him as long as the player can perform in expectations.
“I don’t care about the age of the players. The experience has served us very well during the great years we have had. It did not work very well for us this year.
“The fact that we were so consistent for several years to have a bad year shaken everyone. It is understandable given the excellence in which the franchises work.” Fleming said that obtaining the right mixture of young people and experience will be the way for them.
“You take a look at the leading markers and the counters and you see that there is a lot of experience there. But what it is sprinkled is incredible performances of young players who play intrepid cricket. So there is this balance.” Fleming asked whether the emblematic MS Dhoni will continue to play or become a mentor, saying “I don’t know”.
The former Kiwi skipper was also asked what motivation had been left to the already eliminated team of the playoff race.
“The opportunity to finish the season well is really important for us. We had a good victory in the last match.” The intensity in the side, the way we play these two games will have the intensity. It is important for us every time we represent CSK. It is important that we were playing as well as possible. We know we haven’t been up to it. We have two opportunities to finish well. It doesn’t change.
“We are examining the opportunities for other players. We have done so in the last two or three games. We will continue to do it,” added Fleming.
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