New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have endured a woeful start to their campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 with three defeats in a row in their first three matches of the season. After losing to Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings in their first two matches, CSK suffered a crushing 43-run defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Sunday.
While there are multiple glaring issues in the CSK squad, the lack of quality in their bowling attack and the top batters failing to deliver have played a major role in their horror start in IPL 2026. CSK openers Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad have failed to fire in all three matches, while their death bowling woes have been left exposed.
Former India pacer Irfan Pathan recently pointed out the ‘biggest problem’ CSK are facing amid their poor run in IPL 2026. Pathan believes spinner Noor Ahmad’s indifferent form and his inability to pick up wickets have hurt CSK badly this season. Noor, who is considered one of the best T20 spinners, has gone wicketless in CSK’s first three matches in IPL 2026.
The left-arm spinner was the 2nd highest wicket-taker in the IPL last season with 24 wickets. He was one of CSK’s best performers despite their dismal campaign. However, Noor has failed to replicate his heroics in IPL 2026 and has been taken to the cleaners by opposition batters. Pathan believes a struggling Noor is CSK’s biggest problem as it effectively renders their spin attack ineffective.
“He (Noor) is CSK’s biggest problem right now. He has bowled around 10 overs this season and conceded over 100 runs. He does not have a single wicket. I believe that if he corrects the angle of his run-up, the alignment will improve, and his hand, which has been falling on one side, will become straighter as well,” Pathan said on his YouTube channel.
Pathan also criticised New Zealand pacer Matt Henry for his ordinary bowling for CSK in the tournament so far. CSK acquired Henry at his base price of Rs 2 crore at the IPL 2026 auction. In the absence of Nathan Ellis, Henry was expected to step up, but he has struggled to find his rhythm and has argubaly been among the worst bowlers in the tournament.
“I am very disappointed with his bowling because he brings in a lot of experience. He has had performances and a good economy, but hasn’t been able to perform like that in this league. An experienced bowler does not bowl a half volley. Anshul Kamboj dismissed Virat Kohli with a bouncer after seeing him step out. Matt Henry bowled a full delivery even after seeing Virat step out,” said Pathan.
CSK aim to bounce back against Delhi Capitals
With three defeats in a row in their first three matches of IPL 2026, CSK are languishing at the bottom of the points table. The five-time champions revamped their squad ahead of the season in a bid to stage a comeback after their dismal campaign last year. However, their struggles have continued this season, leaving them in a huge spot of bother.
CSK will be desperately looking to bounce back and return to winning ways when they lock horns with Delhi Capitals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, January 11. CSK might have Dewald Brevis back in the XI against DC after the South Africa batter missed their first three matches due to a side strain.