“No finishers, just aggressors": CSK head coach Fleming on modern T20 dynamics

Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming believes the traditional “finisher” role has lost relevance in modern T20 cricket. Speaking after CSK’s five-wicket defeat to Punjab Kings , Fleming highlighted a shift in the game where players are expected to attack from ball one , leaving no room for the traditional late-innings surge.

"I don't think there is a thing called finishers anymore. It's right from ball one, everyone is going at a rate of knots. Everyone's going hard from ball one," Fleming said. He noted that run rates are now consistent throughout the innings rather than peaking towards the end, emphasizing the need for aggressive players across the batting lineup.

CSK’s revamped squad , dominated by top-order specialists , has created gaps in the middle and lower order , especially in the finisher role. Fleming, however, expressed confidence in his resources, even with Brevis sidelined and MS Dhoni , one of the game’s finest finishers in his prime time, injured .

Fleming also defended newly acquired opener Sanju Samson , who has struggled in his first two games. "He's training well, and when he gets going, he's often a match-winner. Two innings don’t define a concern," he said.

Commenting on the broader evolution of the game, Fleming highlighted the Impact Player rule , which has tipped the balance in favor of batting , and noted the challenge of securing talent in a rapidly changing T20 landscape.

Meanwhile, Punjab Kings opener Priyansh Arya shone with an 11-ball 39 , giving his side a flying start. Teammate Shashank Singh praised his mental toughness and maturity , describing him as a compact and technically sound batter capable of performing under pressure.

Fleming’s reflections underline a key reality: in modern T20 cricket , aggression and consistency have replaced the traditional finisher, reshaping how teams plan their batting lineups in the IPL era .