Pressure mounts as CSK aim to shrug off poor start

The 2022 IPL stands as one of CSK's worst campaigns. As defending champions, they began with four consecutive losses—a first in their history. Now, in 2026, they are on the brink of equalling that poor start. Given the nature of their recent defeats, a fourth straight loss on Saturday (April 11) would be unsurprising. This poor run follows successive dull campaigns, unlike the isolated struggle of 2022.

CSK have looked woeful and are far from being among the top sides this season. The bowling attack has been sub-par, with Noor Ahmad failing to recreate his 2025 heroics. The batting has come under greater scrutiny: Sanju Samson is yet to fire in his new colours, Ruturaj Gaikwad has struggled, Dewald Brevis' absence has been felt, and expensive young additions Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer have made no impact.

The next two games, both at Chepauk within 72 hours, could determine their campaign's fate. While winning both is imperative to revive their season, they face a formidable Delhi Capitals. DC, despite a agonising last loss, are in a better place than CSK—they look settled and possess strong squad depth.

Players like Karun Nair, Abhishek Porel, and Ashutosh Sharma are yet to feature, while former CSK player Sameer Rizvi has sizzled. KL Rahul roared back to form with 92 in the last game. Like Punjab Kings last week, DC will fancy their chances at Chepauk, having ended their losing streak there last season.

When: CSK vs DC, IPL 2026, April 11 at 7:30 PM IST
Where: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
What to expect: No rain threat. A batting-friendly surface is anticipated.
Head to head: CSK 19 – 12 DC. In their last 8 encounters at Chepauk, DC have won only once—that victory came last season.

Team News & Tactics

CSK:

• Optimism surrounds Dewald Brevis' participation, but head coach Stephen Fleming remained non-committal. If fit, Kartik Sharma could make way.
• Shivam Dube has a strong record against T Natarajan, striking at 200.
• Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad face a challenge against Mukesh Kumar, who has bowled well 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

DC:

• Awaiting Mitchell Starc's arrival, but no new injury concerns. Nitish Rana could make way for Karun Nair or Abhishek Porel.
• Karun Nair was paired with Sameer Rizvi in the nets, suggesting he might get the nod.
• Bowlers T Natarajan, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav have favourable matchups against Sanju Samson.
• Pathum Nissanka must be wary of Matt Henry, who has dismissed him three times in just 37 balls in this format.
• 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

Key Stats:

• CSK have lost their last six matches at Chepauk.
• CSK's win percentage under MS Dhoni is 59.81%; under other captains, it drops to 31.42%.
• Pathum Nissanka averages 33.87 at a strike rate of 155.77 in T20s post-IPL 2025.

Quotes:
Stephen Fleming on Dewald Brevis: "For a young guy, he brings experience. He's incredibly talented and has worked out his game at a young age… He's now come out with a real clarity—it's aggressive, skilful, and becoming consistent. We value his inputs highly; he's been a big miss. If he is right for this game, he'll be a nice addition."

T Natarajan on his recovery: "Last year my collarbone was broken, not many people know it. The DC management has taken care of me… They sent me to Dubai for three weeks with a focus on training. Playing in the DY Patil tournament gave me confidence and rhythm."