Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming has issued a firm warning to critics following their loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, urging them not to discount CSK. Speaking to the media after CSK's 50-run defeat at Chepauk, Fleming reassured that the team possesses ample firepower in its batting order. The defeat has raised questions about the squad selection of the five-time champions, particularly the strength of their lower and middle order compared to other teams. While RCB boasts a formidable middle order featuring the likes of Liam Livingstone and Tim David, who can go big from the very first ball, CSK’s middle order of Shivam Dube, Vijay Shankar, Sam Curran, and Ravindra Jadeja has faced criticism. Notably, MS Dhoni's role has also been questioned, with the legendary captain batting as low as number nine during the chase against RCB. When a journalist highlighted these concerns, Fleming was quick to dismiss them, asserting confidence in his team’s batting depth. "We talk about firepower, we have firepower all the way through. I don't understand this question," Fleming said. He further pointed out that playing a positive brand of cricket remains CSK's approach, and he remains optimistic about their chances. "Just because we don't swing from ball one and have a little bit of luck go away, we'll see at the end. Just see at the end who wins it. It's a positive brand of cricket, no doubt about it, but don't discount us," he added. CSK's middle-order batting woes Chennai Super Kings' middle-order struggles have been evident since 2024. The combined strike rate of their middle-order batters (positions 4 to 7) stands at 140.87, the second lowest in the league since 2024, with only Punjab Kings performing worse at 138.79. In contrast, RCB's middle order strikes at an impressive 170.09. Also Read: Watch: Chepauk Echoes with Loud 'RCB RCB' Chants The team's inability to capitalize on the middle overs (7-15) has also been a cause for concern. Since 2024, CSK has recorded the lowest strike rate during this phase at 130.56, followed by Rajasthan Royals at 136.27. On the other hand, Kolkata Knight Riders have excelled, striking at 153.32. While these numbers offer context, they underline the urgent need for CSK's middle-order batters to step up in the upcoming matches, especially when chasing competitive totals nearing 200. CSK will look to bounce back on Sunday as they face the Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. After that, they will return to Chepauk to host Delhi Capitals on April 5.