The 2022 IPL season remains one of Chennai Super Kings’ most disappointing campaigns, and alarmingly, IPL 2026 is beginning to mirror that decline. Back then, CSK started as defending champions but slumped to four consecutive defeats — a first in their history. Fast forward to the current season, and they now find themselves dangerously close to repeating that unwanted record.
So far, CSK have looked far from their usual dominant selves. Their bowling unit has struggled to deliver consistently, with Noor Ahmad unable to replicate the impact he had in 2025. However, the bigger concern lies with the batting. The top order has failed to fire, with Ruturaj Gaikwad yet to find rhythm and Sanju Samson still settling into his new role.
The absence of Dewald Brevis has further weakened their middle order, while young recruits Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer are still searching for form. After a heavy defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, CSK have had time to reassess, but the road ahead doesn’t get any easier. Their next two matches, both at Chepauk within a short span, could define their entire campaign. Winning both is crucial if they are to stay in contention.
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Standing in their way are the Delhi Capitals, a side that appears far more settled and balanced. Despite a narrow loss in their previous game, DC have shown depth and flexibility in their squad. Players like Karun Nair, Abhishek Porel, and Ashutosh Sharma are yet to feature, while Sameer Rizvi has impressed against his former franchise. KL Rahul’s return to form, highlighted by a superb 92 in the last match, adds further strength to their batting lineup.
Chepauk is expected to offer a batting-friendly surface, with no weather interruptions predicted. While CSK have historically dominated at this venue, Delhi Capitals broke that trend last season and will be confident of repeating the feat.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Chennai Super Kings could be boosted by the return of Dewald Brevis, although head coach Stephen Fleming has remained non-committal on his availability. If the South African is declared fit, Kartik Sharma is likely to make way in the playing XI, adding much-needed firepower to CSK’s struggling middle order.
One positive for CSK is Shivam Dube’s strong record against T Natarajan, scoring at a strike rate of 200 in this matchup. However, the bigger concern remains at the top, where Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad are yet to deliver a defining partnership this season. Their task won’t be easy against Mukesh Kumar, who has been effective with the new ball in the powerplay.
Probable XII: 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 (DC)
Delhi Capitals, meanwhile, have a relatively settled squad with no fresh injury concerns, apart from awaiting Mitchell Starc’s arrival. A potential change could see Nitish Rana make way for Karun Nair or Abhishek Porel, both of whom have looked in good touch during practice sessions.
DC’s bowling unit also holds a clear advantage, with Natarajan, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav all enjoying favourable matchups against an out-of-form Samson.
Probable XII: KL Rahul (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Karun Nair, Sameer Rizvi, Axar Patel (c), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, Kuldeep Yadav,Lungi Ngidi, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar
