Why is CSK struggling in IPL 2026? Irfan Pathan reveals

The 5-time champions, Chennai Super Kings, have had an unforgettable IPL 2026 campaign so far. The team has suffered 3 consecutive defeats in its first 3 matches and is still waiting for their first victory of the season. They are currently sitting at the very bottom of the points table. To date, the team has faced losses against the Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Following three consecutive defeats, questions are constantly being raised regarding both the CSK team's performance and the management's decisions. On social media as well, the team is facing intense trolling.

Amidst all this, CSK fans are continuously highlighting their team's shortcomings and demanding numerous changes to the squad—including the removal of Ruturaj Gaikwad from the captaincy. The team is also currently missing its talismanic leader, MS Dhoni, and explosive batsman Dewald Brevis, neither of whom has made an appearance in this IPL yet due to injury.

However, according to former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan, the primary reason behind CSK's consecutive defeats is the poor form of Noor Ahmad. So far, across three matches, Noor Ahmad has bowled a total of 10 overs, conceding 111 runs at an average of 11.1, and has not taken a single wicket. This has had a visible impact on CSK's bowling attack. Noor typically serves as CSK's key wicket-taking option during the middle overs; however, his performance this season has been quite lacklustre.

“Noor’s performance is CSK's biggest problem right now. He has bowled around 10 overs this season and conceded over 100 runs. He does not have a single wicket. I believe that if he corrects the angle of his run-up, the alignment will improve, and his hand, which has been falling on one side, will become straighter as well," Pathan said.

Pathan also voiced his displeasure with Matt Henry's performance, saying that a bowler with his level of experience ought to be bowling more effectively. Throughout the season, Henry has appeared unthreatening. He bowled three overs against RCB, finishing wicketless and conceding 36 runs.
So far, in the IPL 2026, Matt Henry has taken only 2 wickets in 3 matches, with an economy rate of 13. 

"I am very disappointed with his bowling because he brings in a lot of experience. He has had performances and a good economy, but hasn't been able to perform like that in this league. An experienced bowler does not bowl a half volley. Anshul Kamboj dismissed Virat Kohli with a bouncer after seeing him step out. Matt Henry bowled a full delivery even after seeing Virat step out," he added.

Pathan also expressed CSK bowlers’ wrong plan against Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Tim David. He said; 

"Tim David usually stands outside the leg stump. So, bowling at the off stump is giving him width. If the bowler is thinking that he won't give room by bowling at the off stump, he is actually giving him room. You have to bowl at the middle stump and leg stump; otherwise, he is going to hit you. You can block him initially, which Chennai did not do, and he took full advantage of that," he remarked.

Chennai Super Kings will face Delhi Capitals in their next cricket match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on April 11. In this match, MS Dhoni and Dewald Brevis might feature in the CSK playing XI, which can change the fortune of the 5-time champions.