IPL 2026: CSK finds itself on the back foot following poor auction strategy

After finishing last in 2025, Chennai Super Kings rang in major changes to its squad ahead of this season. However, the fortunes haven’t changed on the field for the five-time champion, which suffered its second straight defeat of IPL-19 against Punjab Kings in Chennai on Friday (March 3, 2026).

Defending 209, CSK failed to assert control during PBKS’ chase. There appeared to be a lack of energy on the field, and it is something skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad needs to address at the earliest.

Even as the team focused on addressing the batting woes, it was evident that the bowling attack lacked depth to trouble good sides.

Nathan Ellis was the key to the pace attack, but once he was ruled out, the balance went off-kilter. Considering the situation, the decision to bring in Spencer Johnson as Ellis’ replacement despite not being available for another three weeks is confounding. By the time the left-arm seamer — who hasn’t played a match for nearly a year — can join, it might be too late.

At the auction, the Chennai outfit failed to secure a suitable backup for Ellis, such as Lungi Ngidi or Jacob Duffy, who were picked up by rivals at their base prices. Similarly, CSK did not select an overseas middle-order/finisher as cover for Dewald Brevis, whose absence in the first two encounters hasn’t helped the cause.

The fact that the Super Kings fielded only two overseas players against PBKS highlighted the squad’s imbalance.

CSK head coach Stephen Fleming, though, defended the franchise’s auction strategy.

“Around all those names talked about and mentioned, I don’t remember the dynamics. There was a large list of bowlers that we looked at and missed out on those who might have been out of form at the time, but are in form now, but trust me, we went over everything,” said Fleming.

“We need to execute (our plans) better, there’s no doubt about it. There’s a lot of pressure on bowling units, especially in good (batting) conditions. It was our first game on this ground, and it looked like a good wicket. We have to be defensively a lot better because some of the batting is of high quality, and if they have a (good) day, it’s very difficult,” he added.