Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are in dire need of making immediate amends to their vulnerable bowling order, which has been the letdown for the side so far in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026). Despite boasting of a strong batting unit which is studded with talented youngsters, the five-time champions have largely struggle with the ball. CSK are currently at the bottom of the points table, having lost 3 back-to-back games against RR, PBKS and RCB.
CSK’s misfortunes begin right from the top of the order, with openers Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad misfiring so far. While Sarfaraz Khan has been their saviour in the middle-order for the last couple of games, the likes of Shivam Dube and Prashant Veer have failed to live up to the expectations. Adding to this is the absence of Dewald Brevis. Even if CSK fix their batting woes, it is their bowling department that can ultimately never be fixed and is a reflection of their poor auction strategy.
Predicted CSK playing XI vs DC
| Position | Player | Role |
| 1. | Sanju Samson (WK) | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| 2. | Ruturaj Gaikwad (C) | Opener |
| 3. | Ayush Mhatre | Batter |
| 4. | Dewald Brevis | Batter |
| 5. | Sarfaraz Khan | Batter |
| 6. | Shivam Dube | All-rounder |
| 7. | Prashant Veer | All-rounder |
| 8. | Jamie Overton | All-rounder |
| 9. | Anshul Kamboj | Pacer |
| 10. | Noor Ahmad | Spinner |
| 11. | Khaleel Ahmed | Pacer |
Can Brevis turn around CSK’s fortunes?
CSK’s top-order, especially openers Samson and captain Gaikwad, have absolutely failed to fire thus far. In three games played in IPL 2026, Samson has managed to register scores of 6.7 and 9, while Gaikwad has 6, 28 and 7 to his name. Their failures have put enormous pressure on the rest of the batting order.
Ayush Mhatre is still getting accustomed to his new role at number and has just one impactful innings thus far – a 73-run knock against PBKS. However, it is Sarfaraz Khan who has done the heavy-lifting for CSK in the middle-order in the last couple of matches with impactful knocks.
Perhaps this is where CSK will benefit with the return of Dewald Brevis. Baby AB, a bright sensation for the team, missed the first three games due to a side strain that he sustained before the start of IPL 2026. However, he is expected to return to action in the game against DC, which means CSK will get a massive boost to their middle-order, thereby relieving Shivam Dube and Prashant Veer of some pressure. n his maiden season for the Men in Yellow, Brevis amassed 225 runs in just 6 matches after being signed mid-season, striking at 180.
What about CSK’s bowling woes?
No matter how much CSK can do to get their batting combination right, it is all but certain that their fortunes won’t improve unless their bowlers pull up their socks. While Anshul Kamboj is the leading wicket-taker for CSK in IPL 2026 with 5 wickets from 3 games, he has been quite expensive as well, boasting an economy rate of 11.43. Khaleel Ahmed has bowled a good number of dot balls but has failed to take wickets. Noor Ahmad, who was CSK’s best bowler in the previous season, is nowhere to be seen on the list of top wicket-takers in this season.
CSK bowlers need to desperately take notes from their 3 defeats so far, with two of them coming at the expense of the bowlers. Make no mistake, DC have a formidable batting line-up and hence, it will be very important for CSK to be at the top of their bowling game, should they fancy any chances of opening their account in IPL 2026.
