The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is just around the corner, and the franchises are starting to find their rhythm for the tournament. Teams like the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are eyeing that coveted sixth title. After a tough season last year, CSK is determined to reclaim their spot at the top. In this article, we’ll dive into three weaknesses that could hold them back in IPL 2026.

 

Squad lacks extensive IPL experience

 

One major worry for CSK is the lack of extensive IPL experience among some squad members, leading to a growing reliance on younger, less experienced players. Historically, CSK has thrived on the backs of seasoned veterans and proven match-winners. However, the current lineup features several young talents who are still finding their footing in high-pressure IPL scenarios. Unlike established stars like MS Dhoni and Ruturaj Gaikwad, many of these emerging players are still adjusting to the intensity, tactical demands, and expectations that come with playing in the IPL.

 

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Concerns over death bowling

 

Another pressing issue for CSK is their death bowling capabilities. In today’s T20 cricket, the final overs can make or break a match, and teams need specialist bowlers who can consistently deliver pinpoint yorkers, clever slower balls, and smart variations under pressure. For CSK, the absence of reliable death-over specialists has become a hot topic of conversation.

 

Navigating a transitional period

 

While the squad does include experienced bowlers like Nathan Ellis and Noor Ahmad, maintaining consistency in those crucial final overs has been a persistent challenge. Additionally, there seems to be an over-reliance on Noor Ahmad to deliver key breakthroughs during the powerplay and death overs to secure positive outcomes.