IPL 2026: CSK haven't managed to shift the needle in terms of top-fourteams, says Mukund
New Delhi, May 22
Former India batter Abhinav Mukund has described Chennai Super Kings' campaign in IPL 2026 as 'a very average season', adding that the five‑time champions only managed wins against lower‑ranked sides and failed to challenge the higher‑ranked teams.
Ruturaj Gaikwad-led CSK lost to Gujarat Titans (GT) by 89 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and ended their season with 12 points and a seventh spot on the points table, which may change when the league stage ends on Sunday.
"CSK had a very average season throughout with them not knowing their strengths at home because that is something that they take pride in. As much as it looks like, 'oh yeah, they've got 12 points and they had a decent season', to me a very big factor in that is they beat DC (Delhi Capitals) twice, they beat MI (Mumbai Indians) twice, they beat LSG (Lucknow Super Giants) once, and KKR (Kolkata Knight Riders) once.
"That's their 12 points. They haven't managed to even shift the needle in terms of your top-three, top-four sides. So you know the differential in that. You know the teams that are trying to compete with these top-four sides and you know the teams that are not close.
"So I felt that CSK had a very average season throughout with them not knowing their strengths at home because that is something that they take pride in. The seasons that they've done well in, they know that this is the team that they want to play at home and when they go away they have a certain strength too," said Mukund on ESPNCricinfo.
CSK were plagued by injuries to key players including MS Dhoni, Nathan Ellis, Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh and Khaleel Ahmed. While Mukund was pleased with Sanju Samson's trade to the CSK working well at the end, he also questioned the franchise's auction strategy, particularly in the choice of their overseas picks.
"The Sanju Samson trade to me was a success because that's something they addressed from last season, the top. But after that, what happens to your bowling resources. You have got a lot of bowlers for pretty cheap in the auction but are they exactly the replacements that you want? Are these the areas that you're looking for? I don't think so.
"They have a lot to work on in terms of their overseas set-up because they've got Matt Henry, Matt Short, Zak Foulkes and Dian Forrester, all four who I don't think are going to make the cut for next season (but) these are all guys that are part of the other (Super Kings) franchises. But other than that, you've got Spencer Johnson, who comes in, Overton, Akeal (Hosein), Ellis and Noor (Ahmad).
"These are the five options who would be retained. But then you've got three other overseas spots that you can fill with players who you need as back-up: Overton's back-up, Nathan Ellis' back-up. Nathan Ellis' back-up is not Matt Henry because they have significantly different roles. It's not Zak Foulkes, which is why you had to go Spencer Johnson.
"I feel that there was a disconnect in the replacements that they picked as well or the back-ups that they picked in the auction. I would seriously have a rethink. That Indian talent is really good. I think there is a ceiling for them and there is some way to go with regards to their best performances yet to come, (but) I would still back them. But you've got to work on your overseas replacements," he concluded.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Fair analysis from Mukund. The disconnect in overseas replacements is exactly what I've been thinking. Matt Henry as backup for Nathan Ellis? Different roles entirely. CSK's Indian core is strong but overseas planning has been reactive. They need someone who can use data analytics for better auction strategies. Also, trusting a 35-year-old Dhoni as only finisher was risky. Time to build for future beyond Mahi bhai.
I totally agree with Mukund's assessment. CSK's wins have been against weaker teams. The top teams like GT, SRH and RR exposed our bowling. But I think the injuries were not entirely avoidable. What frustrates me is the lack of planning for back-ups. It felt like they were just buying names without thinking roles. Auction table tactics need to be smarter. Still love the team though! 💛
Mukund is spot on. This has been an average season. The Sanju Samson trade was brilliant - he brought stability at the top. But after that, everything went downhill. Bowling attack looked clueless on bigger grounds. The Chepauk pitch also didn't help spinners as much. Need to address the powerplay bowling and death bowling issues. Five-time champions deserve better planning. Hoping for a strong comeback next year!
While Mukund's analysis makes sense, I think injuries played a huge role. Losing Ellis, Overton, and Ghosh disrupted team balance. But yes, auction strategy needs rethinking - buying players without clear roles is recipe for disaster. CSK management has been known for their calm and strategic approach, but this season they looked confused. Indian core is promising but overseas backups need serious work. Let's trust the process! 🙏
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