Stephen Fleming acknowledged a challenging IPL campaign for Chennai Super Kings but found silver linings in Ayush Mhatre’s 94* off 48 balls during a narrow two-run loss to Rajasthan Royals. The 17-year-old’s composure and skill, especially against Bhuvneshwar Kumar (26 runs in an over), impressed Fleming, who saw parallels with Ruturaj Gaikwad—a player who rose from a mid-season replacement to become CSK captain.
“His temperament stood out,” Fleming said. “He has talent, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to execute under pressure. It’s rare for a young player to thrive on such a big stage.” Mhatre, replacing an injured Gaikwad, mirrored his predecessor’s late-season impact, offering hope for CSK’s future.
Fleming also highlighted a generational shift in cricket, citing 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s performance against veteran Ravindra Jadeja and Mhatre’s audacity. “These kids play with fearless maturity,” he noted, though he emphasized balancing youth with experience. CSK’s recent struggles have spurred a focus on nurturing young talent while relying on seasoned players to guide recovery.
“History shows we can bounce back,” Fleming added. “We’re building for the future, but also learning from this season to compete better next year.”