CSK eye future with youth but Fleming calls for balance

CSK eye future with youth but Fleming calls for balance

Chennai Super Kings, facing a challenging season, are looking towards the future.

The five-time IPL champions, known for supporting players and valuing experience, have given debuts to 20-year-old Shaik Rasheed and 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre in recent matches. They've also added 21-year-old Dewald Brevis to their squad.

Head coach Stephen Fleming sees this as part of a long-term plan.

"The work we did a couple of times we were in this position in the past set us up, I think, to win the title the following year," Fleming said. "So we're certainly aware of what needs to be done and how we can go about it. When that time comes, we will make sure there's no stone left unturned to get things right."

Rasheed and Mhatre have made immediate impacts. Rasheed became CSK's youngest ever opener with a fluent 27 off 19 on debut in Lucknow. Mhatre followed with a brisk 32 off 15 in Mumbai.

Fleming is impressed but also cautious.

"It's impressive, not always sustainable. But it's contagious," he said. "We're seeing a wave of young players in India that are just taking on the bowlers from ball-one. Is it sustainable in tricky conditions? I don't know. Is the subtlety of the game going to keep growing? I'm concerned."

Fleming points to the lack of young players in the IPL's top run-scorers list as a concern.

"With young players, you look to identify them first. But the other thing we need to look at is the top 20 run-scorers this year in the IPL and just tell me how many of the young guys are in that top 20. I think there's one, maybe two. So just temper it a little bit. I'm a big fan, I have always been of the skill set."

Injuries and inconsistent form from experienced players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, and Rahul Tripathi have opened doors for the youngsters.

This shift towards youth is notable for CSK, a franchise known for backing seasoned players.

Fleming emphasizes the need for balance.

"We've always looked for a little bit of experience but we haven't been neglecting youth," he said. "Mhatre had an opportunity in the last game and he looked very good, and that excites us as we, I guess, have one eye to the future.

"But it's a balance," Fleming stressed. "It's not all about youth, it's not all about guys being too old. It's somewhere in the middle where you get a mix of experience and you also get players who are fearless. You've just got to make sure that the right temperament is in the player, and I'm not worried about how old they are."

Fleming acknowledges the value of experience in the IPL.

"It just seems that the IPL is bossed a little bit more by players who have a bit more experience and can navigate more situations than perhaps a young player who plays just one way," he said.

"But I am very aware of the talent that is coming through, I'm very aware of the fearless nature in which they are playing and that has been the case for the last two or three years."

CSK are balancing giving young players opportunities while staying true to their core values.

"There won't be a wasted game or an opportunity in the next few weeks and the players know that as well, and that creates opportunity and creates a bit of competition with them but we won't let any time go to waste," Fleming said.