Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are rooted at the foot of the IPL 2026 points table after dropping their opening three matches, leaving the franchise with plenty to fix early in the campaign. While CSK’s results have been difficult to digest, the biggest area of concern has been the slow start from their top order—most notably openers Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad—who have struggled to provide the kind of foundations that typically set the tone for the innings.
CSK’s early IPL 2026 struggles and the opener problem
Across three games, Samson and Gaikwad have combined for just 63 runs, and neither has managed to deliver a convincing start in any of those outings. With CSK already enduring a tough run, former India captain Anil Kumble highlighted the seriousness of the issue: when two of the most experienced batters in the XI fail to fire early, it becomes a major challenge for the team to recover momentum later.
Kumble’s warning to Samson and Gaikwad
Speaking on Star Sports, Kumble issued a direct message to the two batters to raise their output quickly, noting that persistent underperformance at the top can quickly ripple through the rest of the batting order.
- Kumble said it is a “massive concern” for CSK when Samson and Gaikwad do not score in the first three matches.
- Gaikwad—also CSK captain—has a best individual score of 28 so far in IPL 2026.
- Samson, signed for Rs 18 crore ahead of the season, has not yet reached even a double-digit total.
CSK’s young batting mix and who must step up
Kumble also pointed to the broader composition of CSK’s batting unit, emphasizing that the squad includes several players still finding their footing at IPL level. In that context, he argued that Samson and Gaikwad must shoulder more responsibility as two of the most established names in the lineup.
- Kumble noted CSK’s batting group, aside from Samson and MS Dhoni, is largely young.
- He specifically referenced youngsters Ayush Mhatre, Kartik Sharma, and Prashant Veer as part of the inexperienced core.
- His message was that at least one experienced batter needs to produce a major innings, especially when the team is chasing a turnaround.
- He added that while the season is still early, CSK will need to tighten things up soon.
Sarfaraz Khan’s impact so far
With the top-order struggles continuing, CSK’s most productive run-scorer in the early phase has been 28-year-old Sarfaraz Khan. The right-hander, who was bought for Rs 75 lakh, has offered a noticeable spark for the franchise.
- So far, Sarfaraz has made 99 runs.
- That tally is more than four times Samson’s total in IPL 2026.
- Sarfaraz’s strike rate stands at 202.04.
Next challenge: CSK vs Delhi Capitals
CSK will now look to correct their early-season slide when they face Delhi Capitals at home on Saturday, April 11.
