IPL 2026 | Chennai Super Kings Preview: CSK begin a season marked by structural change
MS Dhoni and Shivam Dube (Source: Getty Images)
Published - 20 Mar 2026, 04:21 PM• Read time - 3 mins
Last season was a major disappointment for the five‑time IPL winners, Chennai Super Kings. They finished with the wooden spoon, managing only four wins in 14 games, an uncharacteristic collapse for a side known for consistency. They looked a pale shadow of themselves and were beaten at home six times in seven outings, a stark contrast to the dominance usually associated with Chepauk.
But sport always offers a chance to reset. CSK now enter a season framed by redemption and the possibility of one final push for their iconic leader. Whether or not this is MS Dhoni’s last campaign, the acquisition of Sanju Samson hints at a transition phase that the franchise will hope to navigate without losing its identity.
Strengths
A reinforced batting order
CSK’s top five carries both pedigree and potential. Ayush Mhatre, Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dewald Brevis, and Shivam Dube form a strong core capable of dictating games across conditions.
Mhatre arrives with the confidence of leading India to their record‑sixth ICC U19 Men’s World Cup title. His T20 career strike rate of 175.42 and IPL strike rate of 188.97 underline the tempo he brings, injecting the kind of youthful aggression CSK have often lacked.
Samson enters the season in the form of his life. His three consecutive fifty‑plus scores in the Super Eight, semifinals and final of the T20 World Cup earned him the Player of the Tournament award, making his arrival at CSK impeccably timed.
Gaikwad’s previous season was cut short by an elbow injury, but his ability to anchor in spin‑friendly conditions remains central to CSK’s plans. Brevis, with an IPL strike rate of 153.19 and a T20I strike rate of 163.23, adds brute power, while Dube returns after a career‑defining T20 World Cup where he struck at 169.06 and reaffirmed his reputation as a premier spin‑hitter.
Chepauk: The fortress
Despite last season’s aberration, CSK’s long‑term record at Chepauk remains unmatched. They have won 51 of their 77 games at the venue, losing only 26. Their home win percentage of 66.23% is the highest for any IPL side in their own backyard. If they recalibrate their approach, Chepauk can once again become the foundation of their campaign.
Weaknesses
No Nathan Ellis
CSK had planned to rely heavily on Nathan Ellis, and the numbers justify why. From January 1, 2024, to August 2025, Ellis recorded the third‑best economy rate (6.85) among T20I bowlers, behind only Jacob Duffy (6.77) and Taskin Ahmed (6.17). His absence leaves a significant void. Without him, CSK lose the control and reliability they expected from their lead seamer, forcing them to rethink their balance.
Lack of a reliable death bowler
Ellis’ unavailability exposes a deeper structural issue. CSK do not have a proven death‑overs specialist. Akeal Hosein (9.37 in T20Is), Noor Ahmad (8.26 in T20s), Khaleel Ahmed (10.92 in T20s) and Matt Henry (9.83 in T20Is) all tend to struggle at the death. This leaves CSK vulnerable in the final phase of innings, where margins are often decisive.
Opportunities
MS Dhoni has delayed the inevitable for years, but this season may finally be his last. If that turns out to be the case, the squad will be driven by the desire to give him a fitting farewell. A strong campaign would not only honour their long‑time leader but also help the franchise transition into a new era with stability.
Threats
Ellis’ absence may force CSK to lean heavily on their spinners. Beyond Akeal Hosein, however, their spin attack lacks extensive international experience. If conditions do not offer assistance or if opponents target their inexperience, the unit could come under sustained pressure. While Samson is a valuable addition, the absence of Ravindra Jadeja may hurt them.
CSK's squad for IPL 2026:
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre, Matthew Short, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Jamie Overton, Anshul Kamboj, Zakary Foulkes, MS Dhoni, Urvil Patel, Sanju Samson, Kartik Sharma, Shreyas Gopal, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurjapneet Singh, Mukesh Choudhary, Noor Ahmad, Prashant Veer, Akeal Hosein, Matt Henry, Rahul Chahar
