The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League has been anything but smooth for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the league’s most celebrated and successful franchises. Known for their composed, experienced squads and consistently high performances, CSK have found themselves grappling with an unexpected and persistent issue this season — poor fielding.

In their latest clash against Punjab Kings at the New PCA Cricket Stadium in Chandigarh, CSK’s fielding frailties were exposed once again. The team dropped five crucial catches during the match, ultimately losing by 18 runs in a game that could have gone either way. This latest slip-up takes CSK’s tally of dropped catches to 11 in the tournament so far — the highest by any team this season.

Captain Gaikwad Speaks Out

Speaking after the defeat, CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad didn’t hold back while acknowledging the team’s shortcomings. “In the last four games, the only point of difference has been fielding. Dropped catches have cost us. The same batsman goes on to score 15, 20, or even 30 more runs after a drop,” he said during the post-match presentation.

Gaikwad’s comments reflect a growing sense of urgency and frustration within the camp. Fielding, often considered the third pillar of cricket alongside batting and bowling, has become CSK’s Achilles’ heel. The captain’s rare candid admission hints at the broader issues that may be plaguing the dressing room — low morale, mounting pressure, and tactical uncertainties.

Fleming’s Honest Assessment

Head coach Stephen Fleming, who has been the guiding force behind CSK’s success over the years, also expressed disappointment after the game. Speaking to reporters, he highlighted how the match was lost not with the bat or the ball, but on the field.

“The game was really lost in the field,” Fleming said. “I thought we were sloppy and lacked accuracy under pressure. We were put under pressure by some fine batting, but we’ve got to be better at shutting that down. These lapses in the field cost us dearly.”

Fleming also pointed out that the team fell just short of the target — 18 runs to be precise — and emphasized that had those catches been taken, the outcome might have been very different. “You can look at three sixes here and there, but the real difference was fielding. It’s frustrating because we know we can do better.”

A Pattern of Errors

This isn’t a one-off incident for CSK. Across their last few matches, fielding has emerged as a consistent weak point. While the franchise has boasted world-class players and cricketing legends, this season’s squad seems to be lacking the same agility, sharpness, and hunger in the field that once defined CSK’s brand of cricket.

Critics and analysts have pointed out several factors behind this dip in fielding standards:

• Lack of young, athletic fielders: The current CSK squad, while experienced, lacks the youthful energy needed to maintain intensity throughout 20 overs.
• Poor positioning and coordination: Several missed opportunities have resulted from miscommunication or late movements on the field.
• Psychological pressure: With mounting losses, players are possibly overthinking or losing confidence, leading to basic errors.

Impact on CSK’s Campaign

Fielding might not always make the headlines like a blistering knock or a fiery spell, but in T20 cricket, every run saved is as valuable as a run scored. With the points table getting tighter by the day, CSK’s inability to capitalize on chances is putting their playoff hopes in jeopardy.

The 18-run defeat against Punjab wasn’t just a loss; it was a stark reminder that even established teams like CSK can’t afford to take the fundamentals lightly. With half the season still to go, the franchise will need to regroup quickly, fix the fielding concerns, and approach the upcoming matches with a renewed sense of discipline and urgency.

What’s Next for CSK?

The road ahead won’t be easy. CSK’s next few matches are against high-performing teams, and the margin for error is razor-thin. Unless the team addresses its fielding issues promptly, even stellar performances with the bat or ball might not be enough to turn the tide.

It remains to be seen whether Gaikwad and Fleming can inspire the team to return to its sharp, clinical best. For now, though, the men in yellow have a lot to work on — and it starts with holding onto their catches.