Updated April 4th 2026, 17:49 IST

IPL 2026: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) conceded a five-wicket defeat to Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the seventh match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, on Friday, April 3.
Punjab Kings young sensation Priyansh Arya was named the 'Player of the Match' after he played a 39-run knock from 11 balls at a strike rate of 354.55. Arya slammed three fours and four sixes during his time on the crease.
After Chennai's defeat to Punjab, big questions have been raised regarding CSK's bowling attack. In the first two matches of the IPL, the Super Kings have failed to defend a target and have conceded a defeat.
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While speaking on Star Sports, former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar said that Chennai's biggest concern for the rest of the tournament will be their bowling attack.
Gavaskar pointed out that the CSK batters need to score around 225-230 runs to give their bowling attack a chance. He further added that the bowling attack needs to get back in order.
“From what we’ve seen so far, CSK’s biggest concern for the rest of the tournament will be their bowling. It means they may have to consistently score around 225–230 to give their bowlers a chance. Most teams now have significant batting depth, like we saw with Punjab Kings where Marcus Stoinis came in at No. 7 and struck the ball cleanly with proper cricketing shots. With many sides batting deep, Chennai will need to get their bowling in order,” Sunil Gavaskar said.
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Following their defeat to Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) sit at the bottom of the IPL 2026 standings with a net run rate of -2.562 and are yet to open their account this season.
The Chennai-based franchise will next face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 5.
Published April 4th 2026, 17:49 IST