MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are staring down the barrel in IPL 2025 as they gear up to face Pat Cummins-led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in match 43 at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on April 25. Both teams are hanging by a thread in the playoff race and this match could well be their last chance to stay alive in the tournament.

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CSK the joint-most successful team in IPL history have had a nightmare season so far winning just 2 out of their 8 games. They currently sit at the bottom of the table with only 4 points. But head coach Stephen Fleming isn’t giving up just yet.

Speaking ahead of the must-win game Fleming drew inspiration from Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) dramatic turnaround in a previous IPL season.

“We’re still hopeful of winning 6 out of 6, and some will giggle at that, but RCB set a blueprint for that the year before,” Fleming said at the pre-match press conference. “While there’s still a chance, we’re picking the best possible team for each game, but we’re also realistic that it’s been a poor season.”

The former Kiwi skipper added that even if CSK fail to turn things around this season the lessons they take could lay the groundwork for a title run in the future.

“We've done this before ended a season poorly and came back stronger the next year. So we know what needs to be done and how to go about it,” he added.

Fleming also hopes that the pressure to deliver now will light a fire within the squad and bring out some healthy competition.

“We won’t waste a single game or opportunity. The players know that. This pressure creates chances for others and a bit of competition too. No stone will be left unturned,” Fleming concluded.