Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming has candidly admitted that Ravindra Jadeja still has significant room to grow when it comes to handling spin bowling, especially in his new role higher up the batting order. The all-rounder, who traditionally came in as a finisher, has recently been promoted in the lineup, exposing him to more spin during the middle overs—a challenge he’s yet to fully master.
Jadeja’s recent performances have shown mixed results. He managed just 7 off 11 balls against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) but bounced back with a crucial unbeaten 53 off 35 balls against Mumbai Indians (MI). While that knock was promising, Fleming emphasised that there’s more to be done if Jadeja is to thrive consistently in this new role.
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“There’s definitely room for improvement,” Stephen Fleming said during the pre-match press conference. “He’s had glimpses of success in this role in the past, but not an extended run. It’s more about mindset—we’re looking at these changes not just for immediate impact but also for long-term gains.”
Fleming also revealed that CSK is in an experimental phase, trying to unlock untapped potential in their players by pushing them into less familiar territories. “We’re trying to shift some attitudes and explore roles players haven’t fully conquered yet. It’s part of a broader strategy—both to win games this season and to build for the future,” he added.
Jadeja’s numbers this season reflect his inconsistencies. In eight innings, he has scored 145 runs at an average of 27.28 and a strike rate of 128.18, with just one half-century. With the ball, he’s taken five wickets at an average of 33.20—far from his peak performance.
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CSK’s overall struggles this year mirror Jadeja’s form. With only two wins from eight matches, the defending champions are currently languishing at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table. They’ll be hoping for a turnaround when they host Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 25 in what could be a crucial game for their playoff hopes.
