Chennai Super Kings (CSK) coach Stephen Fleming said that his side fell short when it was needed the most, after it suffered a five-wicket loss to Punjab Kings in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium here on Friday.
“That was our first real under-pressure run. We were below where we needed to be, where we have been operating and training, but there’s a lot of pressure on bowling units, especially in good conditions,” said the Kiwi.
“That was the first game on our home ground. It looks like a good wicket, so we’re going to have to be a lot better defensively because some of the batting is of high quality and it’s aggressive, and if they have a (good) day, it’s very difficult.
Fleming, however, threw his weight behind the players the franchise had recruited ahead of the season.
“It’s a difficult task, but I think we’ve got some really good talent,” Fleming said. “There are five or six new players that have started this season, but we think they are of high value moving forward with their performances this year. We’re certainly confident in our bowling attack.”
Meanwhile, Punjab Kings vice-captain Shashank Singh said he was delighted to set the tone for the season early on after the 2025 runner-up moved to the top of the table after two matches.
Shashank Singh also showered praise on Player-of-the-Match Priyansh Arya, who helped PBKS stay on the front foot with an 11-ball 39.
| Photo Credit:
R. Ragu
Shashank Singh also showered praise on Player-of-the-Match Priyansh Arya, who helped PBKS stay on the front foot with an 11-ball 39.
| Photo Credit:
R. Ragu
“It’s all about momentum. The first match we won against Gujarat (Titans), that wasn’t that convincing for us,” said Shashank. “But this match was very important for us because this was an away venue against CSK, one of the top sides. So obviously the momentum was important, plus the away venue.”
He also showered praise on Player-of-the-Match Priyansh Arya, who helped PBKS stay on the front foot with an 11-ball 39.
“Last year, when he came, technique was another issue, but we know with IPL, the second season is the most important season because the teams do find the weaknesses in you. But with Priyansh, what we as a team really liked last year is that he’s mentally very tough,” Shashank added.
“He’s very young, but the way he’s matured regarding his batting is fabulous.
And I think he’ll do well for sure.
“I mean, if you see his batting, he’s quite compact, he hits the ball well, he tries to win it, he doesn’t try to overhit. So all those things which are required, especially by openers, I think he has.”
Published on Apr 04, 2026
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