3 major reasons why CSK's bowling unit underperformed in IPL 2026

CSK conceded 250 runs against RCB at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

The Chennai Super Kings, five-time champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), have had a very scratchy start to the new edition. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side suffered a major blow at the start of the tournament when legendary former captain MS Dhoni and their trusted overseas batsman Dewald Brevis got injured.

However, they are facing an even bigger problem, which is their bowling. In the first game, it was a low-scoring match, but Rajasthan Royals chased the target in just 12.1 overs.

The second match was no better; although the batsmen managed to post a total of 209, the bowlers leaked runs. Hence, Punjab reached the target in just 18.4 overs. In the third game, they conceded 250 runs against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The problems are plenty for CSK, and the biggest part of it is the bowling unit not firing. Going ahead, they will need the bowling to settle. On that note, let’s understand why CSK’s bowling unit is suffering in IPL 2026.

Reasons why CSK’s bowling is struggling in IPL 2026

1. No quality death bowlers

One of the major reasons CSK’s bowling is suffering is that they do not have a bowler they can rely on in the death overs. Earlier, players like Dwayne Bravo performed this role perfectly for them, and until last year, Matheesha Pathirana was assigned this responsibility.

However, ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, the team decided not to retain Pathirana; they also did not acquire a dependable death bowler in the auction.

Players like Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj have been effective in the power play and middle overs, but they have leaked runs at the death, and opponents have been smart in exploiting this weakness.

2. Poor Spin options

Once upon a time, CSK were known for their spin bowlers and how they used to choke batters with their line and length. Now, the team does not have many bowling options in spin.

Noor Ahmad, who impressed everyone with his skills last season, hasn’t shown the same form this year, and the team has been struggling to find a second bowler to pair him with.

Prashant Veer is an option the franchise bought him at a hefty price, but he has not been given bowling opportunities so far. They also have Akeal Hosein as a left-arm spin option; however, the team did not play him in the first three matches.

3. Pacers out of form

Another reason behind Chennai’s bowlers giving away runs has been the fast bowlers’ poor form. The team has shown faith in Khaleel Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Matt Henry, and Anshul Kamboj for the pace bowling duties in the first few games, but they have had very poor returns with no significant impact.

The pacers have been leaking runs at a high economy rate, and it has been a major concern for the team management.

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