CSK Faces Tough Phase in IPL 2026: Ashwin and du Plessis React to Third Consecutive Defeat
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffered a crushing 43-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday, leaving them at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table with three straight losses. The setback has sparked concerns about morale in the dressing room, with Indian spin legend R Ashwin highlighting the need for the team management to maintain a positive atmosphere amid the ongoing slump.
Speaking on JioHotstar, Ashwin and former South African captain Faf du Plessis analysed CSK’s current struggles.
“I am sure the dressing room atmosphere is going to be hurting. Honestly, with such a young side, there is only one way you can go and that is upwards. The way to go upwards is to get a really good work ethic going and a good team atmosphere. It is going to be extremely deflating inside that Chennai dressing room after this thumping defeat to RCB,” Ashwin said.
The former India spinner also noted that it is unfair to demand complete accountability from the inexperienced players in the squad.
“The RCB-CSK contest is supposed to be one of the most celebrated clashes in the IPL. There are some issues in the squad, but many players are young and need to enjoy their cricket. You cannot push them into chasing the legacy expected from a franchise like CSK,” he explained.
CSK, opting to bowl first after winning the toss, struggled to contain Tim David, who blasted a 25-ball 70 to take RCB to an imposing 250/3.
Du Plessis backed the likes of CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and India T20 World Cup hero Sanju Samson to find form as the tournament progresses.
“If you look at CSK’s batting line-up, the quality is there. You back Ruturaj Gaikwad, you back Sanju Samson, and youngsters like Ayush Mhatre are showing talent. It’s just a matter of putting it together. Sanju is too good a player to fail multiple times; he needs backing and time,” said du Plessis.
The former South African captain also reflected on the leadership challenge facing Gaikwad during this tough phase.
“It’s not easy for a young captain to suffer back-to-back defeats. This experience will give him the thick skin every good leader needs. With the support staff and MS Dhoni’s guidance, this phase could make him a stronger leader,” he added.
As CSK navigates this challenging start to IPL 2026, experts and former players alike stress the importance of nurturing young talent, maintaining team morale, and focusing on building a resilient, cohesive side capable of bouncing back.
