The 2022 season is remembered as a particularly rough chapter for Chennai Super Kings, a campaign that started with an unusual stumble for defending champions. CSK opened their title defence by losing their first four games in a row—something they had never done before—and they ultimately finished level with the bottom of the table. That record, however, was softened by what came around it: strong runs in both 2021 and 2023. Now, fast forward to IPL 2026, and CSK find themselves standing close to matching that early-season skid once more. With the way results have come, and the gaps that have shown up in both execution and personnel, it would hardly be surprising if April 11 (Saturday) brings a fourth consecutive defeat.
CSK’s slide and what has looked off in IPL 2026
This year’s troubles have not followed the same pattern as 2022, and the contrast is evident in how the side has looked across matches. CSK have appeared flat in multiple departments and are not anywhere near the top tier of the league this season. On the bowling front, things have been broadly in line with expectations—but not in the way a title-winning unit would want. Noor Ahmad has not been able to replicate the impact he delivered in 2025, and the overall attack has been sub-par.
The batting order has drawn the sharper scrutiny. Sanju Samson has not yet found his rhythm in CSK colours, while Ruturaj Gaikwad has also failed to spark consistently. Dewald Brevis’ absence has been noticeable, and the two younger additions—Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer—are yet to make a meaningful difference. CSK have had time since a heavy loss against Royal Challengers Bangalore to regroup and reflect on where the campaign has gone wrong.
Chepauk double-header pressure: CSK vs Delhi Capitals
The next two matches could shape the remainder of CSK’s season, with both games being played at Chepauk and scheduled within 72 hours of each other. The message for CSK is clear: they need to win these fixtures if they are to halt the spiral. Their first test in this crucial stretch is Delhi Capitals, a team that may have lost its most recent match in a heartbreaking manner, but which currently appears better settled than CSK. Delhi also bring deeper options in the squad.
- Karun Nair, Abhishek Porel and Ashutosh Sharma have not yet featured for Delhi this season.
- Sameer Rizvi—who was previously with CSK—has started to click and has “sizzled” so far.
- After two disappointing starts with the bat, KL Rahul responded strongly in the previous game with a knock of 92.
Delhi will also be encouraged by their recent trend at Chepauk. Like Punjab Kings the week before, they would fancy their chances of getting another result at the same venue after finally ending a losing run there last season.
Match details, conditions and head-to-head
- When: CSK vs DC, IPL 2026, April 11 at 7:30 PM IST
- Where: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
- What to expect: There is no rain threat in this part of India, and another batting-friendly pitch is expected.
- Head-to-head: CSK 19–12 DC
At Chepauk specifically, Delhi’s record in their last eight meetings is tough: they have won only once, and that solitary victory came last season.
Team watch, probable line-ups and key battles
Chennai Super Kings
- Injuries/Unavailabilities: Despite early optimism about Dewald Brevis’ availability, head coach Stephen Fleming did not commit to whether the South African will be ready. If Brevis is fit, Kartik Sharma could be the one to make way.
CSK’s tactics and match-ups will likely be built around how their batters handle specific bowlers. Shivam Dube is one CSK batter with a strong record versus Natarajan, striking at 200. Samson and Gaikwad—still waiting for a meaningful opening partnership—will have a demanding assignment against Mukesh Kumar, who has bowled well in the Powerplay this season.
- Probable XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Sanju Samson (wk), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Matt Henry
Delhi Capitals
- Injuries/Unavailabilities: Other than waiting for Mitchell Starc’s arrival, Delhi have no fresh concerns. Nitish Rana may be replaced by either Karun Nair or Abhishek Porel. Nair was paired with Sameer Rizvi during nets, indicating he could be given the nod.
For Delhi, the match-ups revolve around how their leading bowlers test CSK’s top order. Three core bowlers—Natarajan, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav—have a favourable record against Sanju Samson, who has struggled to get going in IPL 2026. While Pathum Nissanka has been in excellent form, he will need to be sharp against the new ball because Matt Henry has dismissed him three times in this format off just 37 deliveries.
- Probable XI: KL Rahul (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Karun Nair, Sameer Rizvi, Axar Patel (c), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, Kuldeep Yadav, Lung i Ngidi, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar
Numbers to know and quotes from the build-up
- CSK have lost each of their last six matches at Chepauk, their home venue.
- CSK’s win percentage under MS Dhoni is 59.81%, but it drops to 31.42% under captains other than Dhoni.
- In T20 cricket after IPL 2025, Pathum Nissanka averages 33.87 at a strike rate of 155.77.
What they said:
- CSK head coach Stephen Fleming on Dewald Brevis: “For a young guy, he brings experience. But he’s incredibly talented, and I think sort of worked out his game at such a young age. He obviously got opportunities early, and then he dropped off as he was working out how he wanted to play. And I’m sure there’s a lot of advice during that time, but he’s now come out of that cycle with a real clarity as to the way he wants to play and it’s aggressive, it’s very skilful, and it’s becoming consistent. So we value his inputs really highly. He’s been a big miss since the start of the season. So if he is right for this game, he’ll be a nice addition.”
- DC pacer T Natarajan on his road to recovery: “Last year my collarbone was broken, not many people know it. The DC management has taken care of me in the last one year. I attended a lot of camps in Delhi, Surat and Hyderabad. They sent me to Dubai for three weeks and the specific focus was on training. I played in the DY Patil (tournament) and that gave me confidence and rhythm.”
