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Xtra Time Web Desk : Defending champions Chennai Super Kings on Sunday lost their third consecutive game in the Indian Premier League as they went down to Punjab Kings by 54 runs to mark their worst ever start in the IPL.

But the losses which the four time champions have suffered this season hasn't been one offs, but collective failures. From MS Dhoni stepping down from the franchise's captaincy to Deepak Chahar being injured, here are 5 possible reasons for Chennai's off form this season :

Deepak Chahar's injury : The four time champions have suffered big time this season due to the injury to their premier pacer Deepak Chahar, who was picked up by the franchise in the mega auction, earlier this year for a humongous sum of INR 14 crore. The Team India pacer was also a vital cog in the wheel during last year's IPL triumph.

Ruturaj's off form : Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has suffered from severe lack of runs this season, has been a huge reason for Chennai's batting woes this season. The 24 year old, who was the Orange Cap winner last season was retained by the franchise.

The FAF factor : Chennai Super Kings for years had been heavily dependent on their former South African opener, Faf du Plessis to provide them with good starts at the top. But with, Royal Challengers Bangalore securing the services of the former South African skipper this season, CSK has heavily suffered till now in his absence.

Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni and CSK's captaincy : MS Dhoni, the former CSK skipper, during the last month handed over the franchise's captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja, right ahead of the start of the IPL. But as off now, the Team India all rounder has looked out of ideas during certain situations and has been seen a little bit off colour with both the bat and the ball, which could be possibly be a side effect of captaincy duties.

Scarcity of game strike bowlers : Scarcity of strike bowlers, especially in the spin department has also been a huge reason behind Chennai's off form this season. And now, with skipper Ravindra Jadeja being out of form, it has looked even more difficult for the defending champions to take wickets during crunch moments in the game.