So far 18 seasons of the Indian Premier League have been played. Of these, Chennai Super Kings has participated in 16 seasons. This is because the team was banned during the 2016 and 2017 seasons. CSK is now playing its 17th season in IPL 2026. However, the team had to face a crushing defeat in the very first match of this season. After which the question arises that whenever Chennai loses its first match in a season, does it become difficult for it to make it to the playoffs?

Let us tell you that CSK played its first match of IPL 2026 against Rajasthan Royals on March 30. In this match, Chennai proved to be a complete flop in both batting and bowling matters. Batting first, the team was all out for 127 runs, while Rajasthan achieved the target in just 12.1 overs. CSK bowlers could take only two wickets of Rajasthan. After this performance, questions have started being raised regarding team management and team combination.

CSK’s performance after losing the first match

The record of Chennai Super Kings is a bit interesting. In its 16 season history, the team has lost the first match of IPL 8 times. This includes the IPL seasons of 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The twist here is that despite losing most of these times, CSK has made a strong comeback. Out of these 8 seasons, except 2022, every time the team managed to reach the playoffs.

IPL 2022 was the only season when CSK could not reach the playoffs and finished at number 9. That is, it is clear that even if CSK loses the first match, it does not mean that the entire season will be spoiled or the team will not be able to reach the playoffs. The team has made great comebacks many times even after such a start.

CSK’s performance in IPL

Chennai Super Kings has been out of the IPL league stage four times and has not been able to qualify for the playoffs. His worst season was IPL 2025, when he finished at number 10. CSK, on ​​the other hand, has played in the playoffs once but could not qualify for the finals. Chennai has reached the semi-final stage once, has been runner-up five times, and has won the IPL trophy five times.