CSK sits bottom with worst NRR in IPL 2026. (PTI Photo)

Abuse me if you want, CSK are disappointing: Ashwin loses cool after PBKS loss

IPL 2026: R Ashwin delivered an emotional assessment of CSK after their loss to PBKS. The former spinner said the team's drop in intensity was "painful to watch."

04 Apr 2026, 10:46 by Debodinna Chakraborty · India Today

In Short

Ashwin called CSK performance “painful” after Chepauk defeat
He urged a return of team culture and intensity
CSK lost sixth straight match at Chepauk

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin did not hold back in his assessment of Chennai Super Kings after their crushing defeat to Punjab Kings at Chepauk, admitting it was “painful to watch” his former team struggle. In an emotional reaction, Ashwin said he was willing to face criticism for speaking out but could not ignore the drop in standards.

CSK’s struggles have continued into IPL 2026, with back-to-back defeats leaving them at the bottom of the table. After posting 209 for five in their first home game, they failed to defend the total as PBKS chased it down comfortably, exposing familiar issues with their bowling and intensity. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin shared a heartfelt take on the team’s performance.

| IPL 2026: CSK vs PBKS Highlights, Scorecard |

“No offence — I don’t blame any player. But from the outside, it’s hard to watch at times. You know what kind of team this used to be once? Watching the match today from the stadium, from the commentary box, for the first time with a straight view — I felt it," Ashwin said.

"People can say whatever they want, I don’t care. You can judge me, abuse however you like, it doesn’t matter. For me, Chennai is a matter of pride. Think whatever you want, it doesn’t bother me. But when I watched this team today, by the 15th over, everyone’s shoulders had dropped. It was painful to watch. Really painful. With inexperienced players, you can see it in their body language — the atmosphere becomes clear. It was genuinely disappointing,” he added.

Ashwin also pointed to the absence of MS Dhoni as a factor that could have influenced the team’s mindset. Dhoni, who is currently sidelined due to a calf injury and has been gradually transitioning into a reduced on-field role, missed the Chepauk clash, leaving a noticeable void in leadership and presence.

“Bring that culture back. I still believe this team can make the top four. I’m confident — they just need to get things right. One small regret today — MS Dhoni wasn’t at the ground. If he was there, players like these would benefit. His presence in the dressing room changes the vibe completely,” Ashwin said.

CSK’s defeat came despite a strong batting effort. Ayush Mhatre’s 73 powered them to 209 for five, with useful contributions from Shivam Dube and Sarfaraz Khan. However, the bowlers failed to defend the total, with Punjab chasing it down comfortably after a blistering start from Priyansh Arya.

HOW POOR HAS CSK'S RECENT IPL FORM BEEN?

CSK’s struggles have been building over time, and Ashwin’s comments reflected a deeper concern about the team’s trajectory.

“When I watch cricket, the place I played, the team I represented — nothing is bigger for me than Tamil Nadu. The biggest regret of my life is not being able to win the Ranji Trophy for Tamil Nadu. Not doing anything for India is not my regret — not doing it for Tamil Nadu is.”

“I don’t want any player to go through phases where the identity of the team starts slipping. This team had a culture, and that’s what needs to come back,” he added, emphasising the emotional connect behind his criticism.

The numbers paint a worrying picture. CSK finished bottom of the table in IPL 2025 for the first time in their history and have begun IPL 2026 with two defeats in two matches, including an eight-wicket loss to Rajasthan Royals.

Their net run rate of -2.562 is currently the worst in the competition, and the loss to Punjab marked their sixth consecutive defeat at Chepauk, a venue once considered their fortress. With a challenging clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru coming up, CSK find themselves under early pressure to arrest the slide.

- Ends