Chennai Super Kings are in unfamiliar territory. For a franchise built on consistency and a quiet start, losing the first two matches of an IPL season is a rare occurrence. In fact, it has only happened twice in their history – the first time in 2022 Ravindra Jadeja And now again under IPL 2026 Rituraj Gaikwad. What makes the estate even more amazing is the bottom. MS DhoniCSK went almost two decades without such a start, highlighting how unusual the current situation is for the five-time champions. The latest setback came to Punjab Kings, who handed CSK their second straight defeat while chasing a tough target of 209 in Chepauk. Led by Shreyas Iyer, Punjab gave a near-perfect chase, winning by five wickets to register their second straight win. Iyer’s 29-ball 50 was the bedrock of the chase, as he put on a crucial 59-run stand with Nihal Vadhira. The chase was initially buoyed by Priyansh Arya’s 39 off just 11 balls and was further bolstered by the partnership of Prabhasmaran Singh and Cooper Connolly, ensuring that the required run-rate never got out of control. Earlier, CSK posted 209 for five, thanks to youngster Ayush Mahatre’s brilliant 73 off 43 balls. The youngster dominated the Punjab attack with fearless strokeplay, finding boundaries at will and showing his growing confidence. He was well supported by Gaekwad, who added 28 in a 96-run partnership for the second wicket. However, the innings was not without setbacks. Sanju Samson Edging a spirited shot behind the wicket fell early, and the middle overs saw a slowdown as CSK managed just 45 runs between the 10th and 15th overs.A late partnership from Sarfaraz Khan and Shivm Dubey helped CSK add 64 runs in the last five overs, taking the total to 200 runs. The numbers show deep concern for CSK. Gaikwad is currently on the longest losing streak by a captain in franchise history:
- 6 – Rituraj Gaikwad (2025/26)*
- 4 – Ravindra Jadeja (2022)
- 4 – MS
Dhoni (2022/23) - 4 – MS Dhoni (2025)
For a team that thrives on consistency under Dhoni, these back-to-back defeats – and the extended losses under Gaekwad – mark a phase of change. The challenge now is not just about bouncing back in the tournament, but rediscovering the consistency that once defined Chennai Super Kings.
