Chennai Super Kings are staring at a difficult phase in IPL 2026, sitting seventh in the standings after six matches. With just two victories and four losses to their name, CSK’s batting rhythm has looked unsettled, and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad’s dip in form has been a major talking point.
CSK’s season snapshot: wins, losses and a dip in batting
Across the first half of the league stage, CSK have struggled to build consistent totals and defend them. Their current position—seventh on the points table—comes from a record of two wins and four defeats in six outings.
- CSK are placed seventh in the IPL 2026 points table.
- They have recorded 2 wins and 4 losses from 6 matches.
- One of the main concerns has been captain Ruturaj Gaikwad’s poor run with the bat.
Gaikwad’s numbers under pressure
Gaikwad has managed only 82 runs in six matches. His batting average stands at 13.66, while his strike rate is 112.33—figures that underline how hard it has been for him to convert starts into substantial innings.
- Ruturaj Gaikwad has scored 82 runs in six matches.
- Average: 13.66.
- Strike rate: 112.33.
Ashwin on what went wrong vs SRH
Former India off-spinner R Ashwin believes Gaikwad missed an important chance to regain form in CSK’s match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Ashwin highlighted the context of the game: CSK were coming into the contest after winning two matches in a row, yet they suffered a narrow setback on Saturday, losing by 10 runs.
How the match unfolded
In that clash, SRH posted 194/9, with Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen anchoring the innings through half-centuries. SRH then held CSK to 184/8 to seal the win.
- SRH put up 194/9.
- Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen contributed half-centuries.
- CSK were restricted to 184/8.
- SRH won by 10 runs.
Ashwin’s view on Gaikwad’s missed moment
Ashwin said Gaikwad had the “best chance” to score because the game’s early momentum had already been shaped by Ayush Mhatre’s fast start. He suggested there was no need for Gaikwad to force the issue at a high pace, and that taking time to settle would have been the right approach to find form again.
“It was the best chance for him to score runs. He didn’t need to take risks or score at a fast pace because of the way Ayush Mhatre started. They were running away with the powerplay. It was right there for Ruturaj to take some time, score some runs, and come back into form,” Ashwin said on JioHotstar.
Ashwin also pointed to the nature of the dismissal phase, noting that after Ayush Mhatre’s wicket, Gaikwad faced a particularly difficult delivery and that it is not easy to beat him on the pull. He added that Gaikwad appears to be under heavy pressure, with his decision-making affected.
“After Ayush Mhatre’s wicket, Ruturaj got a very good ball, it’s not easy to beat him on the pull. I just feel he is under immense pressure, and his mind appears to be a bit cluttered,” Ashwin said on JioHotstar.
CSK’s form curve: early setbacks, brief recovery, then another twist
CSK’s campaign began with a rough run of three consecutive losses—against Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. They later steadied their season with back-to-back wins over Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders, only for that momentum to be interrupted by the narrow defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad.
- CSK started IPL 2026 with three straight defeats: Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
- They bounced back with consecutive wins over Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders.
- That recovery was halted again by a close loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Net run rate adds to the pressure
With a net run rate of -0.780, CSK are positioned in the lower part of the table. The combination of their points tally and the negative net run rate means they now face mounting pressure to turn things around quickly.
What’s next for CSK
CSK will play their next match against Mumbai Indians on April 23. The team will be looking to arrest the slide, starting with improved performances from their top order and a return to form from their captain.
