Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming admitted the franchise had fallen short at the auction table and struggled to keep up with other teams, after CSK’s seventh defeat in nine matches. Speaking after the loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad, Fleming didn’t shy away from taking responsibility. "It is hard to say we got it completely right with the performances that we have had. So we have been looking over that in detail just around our style of play. Also looking at how the game is evolving," he said during the post-match conference. Fleming also highlighted that CSK’s auction strategy hadn’t delivered results this year, and the other teams have got better. “Other teams have got better, and that is the point of the auction. But we just haven’t been able to get it right," he added. Usually, CSK's strength has been the role clarity for the players. However, this time, the team found it difficult to make use of the available resources. Trying to fill gaps, CSK have shuffled players into unfamiliar roles- using Jadeja up the order, Dube as a finisher, R Ashwin in the powerplay, and even pushing MS Dhoni to bat longer despite fitness limitations. "So you take responsibility from the top down, and then you just ask a little more of the players. That has to be an area where we need to reflect,” he said. Notably, CSK have used 20 out of 27 squad members so far but are yet to find a settled combination. “We've chopped and changed too much. A couple of key injuries, just a bit of a lack of form. And we have just struggled really to nail a game plan,” he admitted. Also READ: 'That's where we have been lacking': Dhoni reveals reason for CSK's poor IPL 2025 ‘There is a heavy responsibility we feel’: Fleming on CSK fans Despite their position at the bottom of the table, CSK continue to draw massive crowds. For Fleming, that adds emotional weight to every loss. "We are aware of the support, and it is not just at home; it extends throughout India. We understand the effect that MS Dhoni has… when we see the amount of yellow that turns up game after game, it is a responsibility we feel... and it is a heavy one," he said. Fleming also addressed criticism that CSK have been too stuck in their ways. He also acknowledged the need to observe trends across the tournament and reflect deeply on their own methods. "I'm a believer that the game hasn't evolved that much. We've tried to bolt things on all the time. I thought Brevis was excellent today. Mhatre has been refreshing. We've given guys opportunities, and that's something that often doesn't come along in an IPL… It’s an unwanted bonus.” Fleming signed off by saying CSK will continue searching for answers for the remainder of the season and focus on building better for 2026. Notably, CSK still have a mathematical possibility to make it to the playoffs, even though the chances are pretty low.