Why CSK Are Struggling In IPL 2026: The IPL 2026 has begun on an even more depressing note for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) than the conclusion of the IPL 2025.
Last year, the five-time champions had ended up at the bottom of the table for the first time in the IPL history. They languish at the 10th position after three defeats in three games this season and with little signs of finishing in the top four.
The losses have been thumping and demoralizing: lost by 8 wickets against Rajasthan Royals after being bowled out for 127; lost by 5 against Punjab Kings despite posting 209; and lost by 43 runs against Royal Challengers Bengaluru after conceding 250 for the first time.
Let’s discuss what’s been hurting CSK so far.
3 Reasons Why CSK Are Struggling In IPL 2026:
No show from Gaikwad-Samson
The problems for CSK on the field are right from the top, with Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad contributing very little with the bat.
In three matches, the CSK captain has scored 41 runs, and Samson has managed only 22 runs. There had been huge expectations from these two, but both have flattered to deceive so far.
Further, youngster Ayush Mhatre, who has batted at No. 3, has had scores of 0, 73, and 1.
Bowling woes, in particular death-overs bowling
CSK has been the worst bowling unit in IPL 2026 so far. The Chennai bowlers have conceded runs at an economy rate of 11.37, and in the death overs, their economy rate has been an eye-watering 16.65, both the worst among all 10 teams this season. On Sunday in the RCB vs CSK clash, RCB blasted 97 runs in the last five overs.
CSK have taken only nine wickets across three matches, at a disastrous average of 64.22, again the poorest in the competition.
CSK hit with multiple injuries
Even before the season began, CSK’s first-choice XII was torn apart.
Nathan Ellis, a T20 and particularly death-over specialist, was ruled out of the tournament owing to a hamstring injury. He was replaced with Spencer Johnson, a tall Australian fast bowler, but the left-arm speedster is currently recovering from a back injury and will reportedly join CSK around April 21-23.
Then, as the tournament was about to start, came the news that MS Dhoni (calf strain) and Dewald Brevis (side strain) will miss the initial few matches due to their respective injuries.
This means that CSK have been without three guaranteed starters in IPL 2026.
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