Following CSK\u2019s five-wicket loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on Monday, Fleming said Gaikwad still had areas to improve as a batter even though he continued to grow into the leadership role.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think Ruturaj can do more,\u201d Fleming said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe's done more in the past. He's been a fine player at the top. He hasn't produced the quantity of runs and the pace of runs (this season) that he's done in his career. And that's something that he will address.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Gaikwad\u2019s sluggish start against SRH \u2014 he was nine off 11 balls at the end of the powerplay \u2014 again raised questions about whether his batting style is suited to the more aggressive demands of modern-day IPL cricket.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
CSK\u2019s defeat also confirmed another disappointing campaign for the five-time champions, who are now set to miss the playoffs for a third straight season with only one league match remaining.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Fleming, however, stressed that Gaikwad\u2019s captaincy should be viewed in the context of a massive transition period for the franchise after years under MS Dhoni\u2019s leadership.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThis year, at least, he was here the whole time. Last year, he wasn't here at all,\u201d Fleming said, referring to the injury that ruled Gaikwad out of IPL 2025.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSo it would be unfair to judge that. But, yeah, there's been a lot of work done behind the scenes as we learn about this group of players.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt's a big transition from having one of the best captains [MS Dhoni] in the cricket scene running the franchise for such a long time to a new captain. So it's going to take a little bit of time.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Backing Gaikwad\u2019s leadership qualities, Fleming added: \u201cBut he's doing a good job. He has a massive amount of respect for this group of players. And he's learning all the time and putting that into play. So going forward, I have no doubt he'll be a fine captain for this franchise.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Dhoni, meanwhile, was present at the stadium on match day for the first time this season, but Fleming remained tight-lipped about the legendary wicketkeeper-batter\u2019s future with the franchise.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cNo, we're working through this one,\u201d Fleming said when asked whether there had been discussions with Dhoni regarding next season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Fleming also acknowledged that CSK\u2019s struggles this season would inevitably lead to questions over his own future with the franchise, but said the final call rested with the management.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI'd say it's a choice for the management,\u201d Fleming said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI know there's been a lot of talk about it, but MS has been around a lot this year, which has been really important for the team, for a lot of young players and continuity.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSo he's been a big part, he hasn't played, but he's still had a big influence on the team.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite the disappointing results, Fleming pointed to the emergence of young talent as one positive from the season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSo he's been a big part, he hasn't played, but he's still had a big influence on the team.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBut I know we're judged on results, that's fair. So, yeah, it's the management's call, not mine.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n