Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are in a precarious position after suffering two consecutive losses in the IPL 2026 season, including a disappointing five-wicket defeat to Punjab Kings (PBKS) at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This loss marks CSK's sixth straight defeat at home, a venue that was once their fortress. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad faces immense pressure to replicate the leadership qualities of former captain MS Dhoni, who has been sidelined due to a calf injury. CSK managed to post a total of 209 runs, their first score over 200 at Chepauk since April 2024, but it proved insufficient as their bowlers struggled to defend it. PBKS's leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal excelled with figures of 3-0-21-1, while CSK's spinners faltered. Sanju Samson's recent form has been a significant concern, as he has scored only six and seven runs in his last two outings. The team's recent auction strategy, which included investing ₹14.20 crore each in uncapped players Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, has not yet paid off. CSK's current winless streak puts them at risk of repeating last season's poor performance unless they can quickly turn their fortunes around.