Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have had a disappointing start to the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL), losing their first three matches and currently sitting at the bottom of the points table with a negative net run rate of 2.517. Former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble has voiced his concerns about the team's performance, particularly highlighting the struggles of experienced players Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Samson, who was signed for ₹18 crores as a key player, has only managed 22 runs across three matches, while Gaikwad has scored 41 runs. This lack of performance from the top order has put immense pressure on the younger players in the lineup. Kumble stresses that for CSK to turn their season around, they need their experienced batsmen to deliver significant innings and set the tone for the team. As CSK navigates this transition period, the focus remains on improving their batting stability and regaining their competitive edge.