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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) started their IPL 2026 campaign in a disappointing fashion, as the side crumbled for just 127 runs, the lowest total so far in this season’s tournament. Even after making bold calls in the IPL 2026 auction and some serious trade moves, their problems still don’t look solved.

Once again, the side lacked firepower in batting. There was no real partnership, no clear intent and at times the batters just looked clueless out there. The performance triggered a strong reaction from fans on social media as the five-time champions continue to struggle, something we have been seeing since the previous season.

Still carrying the tag of the “comeback Super Kings”, the big question remains: can they actually turn things around this time? And more importantly, what exactly they need to do to get past a strong Punjab Kings side on Friday, April 3.

Here are 3 things CSK can do to overcome strong PBKS on Friday:

1. Fix the powerplay paralysis

Over the years, CSK have had some of the most solid opening pairs in IPL history, but things have clearly changed now. The team often finds itself struggling in the powerplay, while other sides go hard and maximize the first six overs.

In the game against Rajasthan Royals, Super Kings managed just a 14-run opening stand between Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Both are experienced players with strong IPL numbers, but they failed to get going.

It’s now important that both take responsibility. Build a proper partnership first, rotate strike, and avoid unnecessary risks. At the same time, they need to find gaps, pick boundaries regularly and keep the scoreboard ticking.

With Ayush Mhatre likely to come in at number three as an impact player, they also get a bit of cushion to play more freely in the powerplay. A smarter, slightly more aggressive approach, backed by good game awareness, can help them fix this issue.

2. Add an extra spinner into the mix

MA Chidambaram Stadium has always been known for helping spinners. Big boundaries, slightly slower surface, it all adds up in favour of spin bowling.

CSK already have quality options and Noor Ahmad did feature in the last game. But they might consider going in with an extra spinner like Rahul Chahar or Shreyas Gopal.

Noor Ahmad, being a left-arm wrist spinner, brings variations and flight which can trouble batters. Adding another leg spinner alongside him can create even more pressure, especially against a PBKS batting unit that likes to attack.

Rahul Chahar could be a strong option here. He has over 75 IPL wickets and was also part of Mumbai Indians’ title-winning campaigns in 2019 and 2020. That kind of experience matters in crunch games. With two quality leg spinners, CSK can really control the middle overs.

3. Use Shivam Dube at the right position

One surprising move in the previous game was sending Shivam Dube at number seven. By the time he came in, the pressure had already built up and wickets were falling regularly.

A player like Dube should not be coming that late. He is known for his power hitting and needs time at the crease to settle before going big.

CSK need to push him up the order, maybe at number four or five, especially with Dewald Brevis not available. When Dube gets going, he can change the game very quickly. We have seen him do it multiple times for CSK and even for India.

Giving him more balls to face can be a game-changing decision.

Conclusion

CSK are going through a rough patch right now. But in cricket, these phases come and go. Even the best teams have gone through similar struggles at some point.

The good thing for CSK is the experience they carry. The management knows how to handle pressure and there are players in the squad who have been part of title-winning campaigns before. They understand what it takes to bounce back.

With a perfectly balanced head-to-head record against PBKS, CSK also knows the kind of challenge in front of them. It won’t be easy, but at the same time, it’s a chance to reset things.

On Friday night, they will be hoping to get things right and finally put an end to this rough run.

Also READ: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson in focus as CSK eye revival against in-form PBKS at home