Chennai Super Kings (CSK) find yourself in teething trouble ipl 2026And their latest defeat has once again exposed a serious weakness – ineffective death bowling. after heavy losses to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)The former CSK batsman has openly criticized the team’s tactical approach, suggesting that their experimental methods at crucial moments are costing them dearly.
Former batsman criticizes bizarre tactics used by CSK for death overs in IPL
former csk batsman Ambati Rayudu He shared his opinion while analyzing CSK’s bowling plans in the final overs and did not hold back. He revealed that the franchise has been experimenting with bowling at unusual angles, especially around the wicket, during training sessions for years. However, due to the influence of the former captain these tactics rarely matched the earlier situations ms dhoni.
According to Rayudu, the idea itself becomes faulty when implemented under pressure. He said that batsmen can easily neutralize such angles by making minor adjustments at the crease. Taking inspiration from his own experience as a batsman, he explained that stepping slightly outside the crease can completely take away the advantage bowlers get from these balls.
He urged the team to avoid overcomplicating their plans and instead rely on proven methods such as yorkers and well-directed slower balls.
“They have tried to do this in practice sessions over the years, but it never translated into the game because MS did not approve of using that kind of angle in the depth. Even as batsmen, we found it easier to counter those balls – if you are standing just half a foot outside the crease, the angle becomes completely zero,” Rayudu told ESPNcricinfo.
“I think this is an area they need to review. Sometimes, it’s better to stick to traditional strategies: good yorkers, well-pitched slower balls, keep it simple and basic,” Rayudu added.
Jamie Overton’s expensive over turned the match
The turning point in the match came during the last over of RCB’s innings. England all-rounder jamie overton Had to face a nightmare conceding 30 runs in a single over.
of rcb tim david Exploited the situation brilliantly, achieving boundaries with powerful hitting again and again. Overton’s attempts to bowl around the wicket backfired, as Davids comfortably got under the balls and cleared the ropes with ease.
That over played a crucial role in RCB reaching a challenging score of 250/3, putting CSK on the backfoot despite a strong batting response late in the game.
Death bowling crisis deepens for CSK
CSK’s late-minute struggles have become a recurring theme this season. Against RCB, he scored 78 runs in the last four overs, a phase that ultimately decided the outcome of the match. The problem has been further aggravated by the absence of the main fast bowler. nathan ellisWho is out due to hamstring injury. his replacement, spencer johnsonHas not joined the team yet, due to which the team lacks specialist options.
Overton, who was tasked with filling that gap, has struggled to adapt – particularly with angles he is not accustomed to using in competitive matches. This lack of clarity and consistency has been reflected in CSK’s overall bowling numbers, with the team conceding runs at a worrying economy rate of 11.57 in their first three matches.
Also read: IPL 2026: Ravichandran Ashwin opens up on CSK’s struggles after huge defeat to RCB