IPL 2026 has started on a bleak note for Chennai Super Kings, with the five-time champions losing their opening three matches and sitting at the very bottom of the points table. Once viewed as one of the toughest outfits to play against, CSK now look vulnerable, and the absence of senior campaigner MS Dhoni has only added to their problems. Even the arrival of Sanju Samson has not brought the expected lift, while skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad is facing intense scrutiny for his leadership and the decisions that have accompanied CSK’s early slide.
CSK’s early struggles and the Veer selection debate
A key talking point around CSK’s consecutive defeats has been the way they have managed Prashant Veer. The left-arm spinner, hailing from Uttar Pradesh and still uncapped, was snapped up for Rs 14.2 crore. He was viewed as a direct replacement for the experienced all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, and his inclusion initially made CSK’s squad look more complete.
The context for Veer’s entry is tied to the Jadeja trade. Jadeja moved to Rajasthan Royals in a deal that brought Samson to CSK. With that reshuffle, Veer’s presence was seen as a stabilising factor, but doubts quickly emerged—particularly when Gaikwad opted not to deploy the 20-year-old as a bowler.
How Veer was used in match after match
Veer did not feature in CSK’s first game against Rajasthan Royals. However, he was named in the Playing XI for the second match, taking the field against Punjab Kings.
- In the match versus Punjab Kings, Veer did not bowl even a single over.
- Punjab Kings chased down a target of 210 with eight balls remaining, leaving CSK with another damaging loss.
CSK’s problems continued on Sunday, when they were beaten again—this time by 43 runs—against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru posted a huge 250/3 in 20 overs.
- Rajat Patidar, leading the RCB charge, played a decisive role as CSK’s bowling struggled throughout.
- Despite the collapse, Gaikwad again did not bring Veer into the bowling attack.
- Tim David, Patidar, and Virat Kohli all punished CSK, underscoring how costly CSK’s refusal to use Veer has appeared.
KKR’s Cameron Green contrast and the injury-clearance angle
CSK’s treatment of Veer has prompted comparisons, especially to Kolkata Knight Riders’ approach to Australian all-rounder Cameron Green. Green was acquired for Rs 25.20 crore for his all-round value, yet he has not bowled in the tournament so far.
The comparison gains substance from KKR’s early results. In KKR’s opening match against Mumbai Indians, they conceded 221 runs, and in their second encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad, they leaked 226 runs.
- KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane said Green has not yet been given full clearance by Cricket Australia to bowl.
- Cricket Australia later clarified that Green is recovering from a lower-back injury picked up during the T20 World Cup 2026.
- Cricket Australia also stated that KKR are fully aware of Green’s condition.
In contrast, CSK have not cited any injury concerns or clearance complications around Veer, even though they continue to refrain from using him as an all-round option.
What comes next for CSK
Even with the mounting pressure, it is still early days in the season. The five-time champions will have plenty to digest after three straight defeats, but a recovery remains possible. CSK will now be looking to respond strongly in the matches ahead and begin rebuilding the kind of momentum that once made them formidable in the IPL.
