Data Shorts: An uninvited deja vu for CSK

The Chennai Super Kings had the worst batting performance in IPL 2025, which was reflected in their standings. Ahead of the 2026 season, their top-five batting lineup appeared significantly upgraded with the additions of Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, and Shivam Dube.

The statistics supported this optimism. Among the ten IPL 2026 squads, CSK's top-five batsmen (based on performances between the last season and the start of the current one) had the best average (35.85) and the second-best strike rate (162.90), trailing only Sunrisers Hyderabad (169.71). Samson and Dube were coming off India's T20 World Cup win, Mhatre had an excellent SMAT 2025/26, and Brevis had been in consistent form.

CSK's Batting Woes in IPL 2025

Top-Five Batting Stats (IPL 2025 to 2026) by 2026 Squad

However, CSK's lack of proven experience in the lower order was exposed. The first blow came before the match, with Dewald Brevis ruled out due to a side strain. A red-soil pitch with extra bounce and moisture perfectly suited the Rajasthan Royals' overseas fast bowlers.

Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger used good-length deliveries and high release points to generate awkward bounce. CSK's top three were back in the pavilion within 3.1 overs. They stumbled to 41/4 in the Powerplay, and the early use of the Impact Substitute failed. Shivam Dube, batting at seven, was dismissed after four balls. A 33-run stand for the tenth wicket was a minor consolation in a total of 127 all out.

RR Quicks in Powerplay (Match 3)

The absence of MS Dhoni and Brevis magnified the glaring void in CSK's squad, making them overly dependent on a few individuals. This contrasts with defending champions RCB, who effectively covered for Josh Hazlewood's absence in their opener.

A year ago, RR's quicks led by Archer tested CSK's top order with pace and hard lengths, defining a close match. The recent encounter was a deja vu moment, only worse for CSK.

"We've won one out of three. It's not all bad," said CSK coach Stephen Fleming after that result. Unfortunately for CSK, their form declined further thereafter. Whether they can turn it around remains to be seen, with fixtures against last year's finalists up next. The challenge is only getting tougher.