The much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is fast approaching, with the tournament set to begin on March 28. With only a few more days left, the focus is once again on the five-time champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who had a forgettable outing in IPL 2025. Known for their consistency and strong leadership culture, CSK have been one of the most successful franchises in IPL history.
However, ahead of IPL 2026, concerns have started to emerge regarding a few CSK players. Recent performances in domestic leagues, international cricket, and franchise tournaments have raised questions about their form and here we aim to take a look at a few of them.
3 CSK players in poor form ahead of IPL 2026
Jamie Overton
Jamie Overton had a mixed 2025–26 season in T20 cricket, contributing mainly with the ball while also providing occasional late-order hitting for the Three Lions as well as in franchise tournaments. In T20Is, Overton played eight matches and picked up 11 wickets, maintaining a bowling average of around 19.45.
Although Overton’s batting contributions were limited and inconsistent, he occasionally chipped in with quick runs. Overall, the 2025–26 T20 season saw Jamie Overton contribute mainly as a wicket-taking fast bowler but not be very effective with the bat. In the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026, he could only accumulate 32 runs across six matches and picked 9 wickets.
Akeal Hosein
West Indies international Akeal Hosein had a steady but slightly inconsistent 2025–26 season in T20 cricket. Known for his economical bowling and ability to operate in the powerplay, Hosein, however, remained a key part of the West Indies’ T20 bowling attack but saw a limited impact with the bat. Hosein, who was part of the West Indies’ T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, saw him contribute comparatively less as he picked up only 7 wickets in 6 matches at an economy of 8.58.
Matthew Short
Matthew Short, however, had a breakthrough season in T20 cricket in 2025-26, but lack of consistency and gametime led him to miss a spot in Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad. Known for his aggressive stroke play and ability to anchor the innings when needed, Short struggled with consistency. Although his standout performance in T20Is came against India, along with a useful BBL 2025-26 season with Adelaide Strikers, he struggled to maintain his place in the format.
Chennai Super Kings IPL 2026 squad
Batters: Ruturaj Gaikwad, MS Dhoni, Sanju Samson, Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre, Kartik Sharma, Sarfaraz Khan, Urvil Patel
All-rounders: Anshul Kamboj, Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Prashant Veer, Matthew William Short, Aman Khan, Zak Foulkes, Shivam Dube
Bowlers: Khaleel Ahmed, Noor Ahmad, Mukesh Choudhary, Nathan Ellis, Shreyas Gopal, Gurjapneet Singh, Akeal Hosein, Matt Henry, Rahul Chahar.
