Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming has opened up about the criticism on veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube channel during the IPL 2025 season. Fleming stated that he doesn’t follow such content and considers it irrelevant after a video on the channel raised a lot of eyebrows.
Chennai Super Kings faced their third straight loss with a 25-run defeat against Delhi Capitals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, April 5. The five-time champions’ batting unit once again faltered under pressure. Notably, they have won just one out of four matches in the tournament.
Former RCB Analyst Criticizes CSK’s Auction Strategy in IPL 2025
During the 18th season of the IPL, a video posted on Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube channel stirred controversy. Three panellists criticised the Chennai Super Kings’ team strategy. One of the panellists questioned the franchise’s decision to buy Afghanistan wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad in the mega auction.
The team already had experienced spinners like Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Notably, Noor Ahmad is the top wicket-taker so far in IPL 2025, with 10 wickets to his name. The video was later removed from the YouTube channel, sparking further curiosity and debate among Chennai fans and the media alike.
I Don’t Even Know He Had a Channel – Stephen Fleming
During a post-match press conference, Stephen Fleming was asked about the controversial video uploaded on Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube channel. Fleming emphasized that he doesn’t pay attention to that kind of content.
“Mate, I have no idea. I don’t even know he had a channel, so I don’t follow that stuff. That’s irrelevant. You guys are important,” Stephen Fleming said at the post-match press conference.
Chennai Super Kings have failed to chase a target above 175 since 2021. None of CSK’s batters found rhythm while chasing a 184-run target against Delhi Capitals. It was their first loss to DC at home in 15 years.
Vijay Shankar and MS Dhoni remained unbeaten on 69 runs and 30 runs respectively. However, they didn’t show intent during the middle overs, especially with the required run rate soaring past 14 per over.
The top order, including Devon Conway, Shivam Dube, and Ravindra Jadeja, couldn’t make significant contributions. Earlier, KL Rahul anchored the innings with 77 runs. The win took DC to the top of the table, while CSK sit in ninth place.
We Are Looking to Find the Formula – Stephen Fleming
Stephen Fleming said that his team must step up while chasing large totals. He admitted they are working on finding the right strategy to turn things around. He pointed out that top-performing teams are consistently getting runs from their top three or four batters.
“We are looking to find the formula that will get us over the line. We are certainly well aware of the chasing stat. We are focusing, bowling-wise, to restrict teams below that, but we do need to be better with the bat,” Fleming said.
“You look at the teams that are doing well and you see that the majority of runs are getting scored through the top three or top four. A little bit more run-production there allows the power hitters to come at the right spots,” he added.
