Table of Contents
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) find themselves in early trouble in IPL 2026, and their latest defeat has once again exposed a glaring weakness — ineffective death bowling. Following a heavy loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), former CSK batter has openly criticised the team’s tactical approach, suggesting that experimental methods are costing them dearly at crucial moments.
Former batter flags bizarre strategy used by CSK for death overs in IPL
Ex-CSK batter Ambati Rayudu shared his take and did not hold back while analysing CSK’s bowling plans in the final overs. He revealed that the franchise has been experimenting with unusual angles, particularly bowling around the wicket, during training sessions for years. However, these tactics rarely made it to match situations earlier due to the influence of former captain MS Dhoni.
According to Rayudu, the idea itself is flawed when executed under pressure. He explained that batters can easily neutralise such angles by making minor adjustments at the crease. Drawing from his own experience as a batter, he pointed out that stepping slightly outside the crease can completely negate the advantage bowlers hope to gain from these deliveries.
He urged the team to move away from overcomplicating their plans and instead rely on proven methods like yorkers and well-directed slower balls.
“They’ve tried that in practice sessions over the years, but it never translated into games because MS didn’t approve of using that kind of angle in the depth. Even as batters, we found it easy to counter those deliveries – if you stand just half a foot outside the crease, the angle is completely nullified,” Rayudu told ESPNcricinfo.
“I think that’s an area they need to review. Sometimes, it’s better to stick to conventional strategies: good yorkers, well-pitched slower balls, keep it simple and basic,” Rayudu added.
Jamie Overton’s expensive over turns the game
The turning point in the match came during the penultimate over of RCB’s innings. England all-rounder Jamie Overton endured a nightmare spell, conceding 30 runs in a single over.
RCB’s Tim David capitalised on the situation brilliantly, repeatedly finding the boundary with powerful hitting. Overton’s attempt to bowl from around the wicket backfired, as David comfortably got under the deliveries and cleared the ropes with ease.
That over played a crucial role in pushing RCB to a daunting total of 250/3, putting CSK on the back foot despite a strong batting response later in the game.
Also READ: Bhuvneshwar Kumar scripts history to achieve special milestone during RCB vs CSK match at IPL 2026
Death bowling crisis worsens for CSK
CSK’s struggles at the death have become a recurring theme this season. Against RCB, they leaked a staggering 78 runs in the final four overs, a phase that ultimately decided the outcome of the match. The problem has been compounded by the absence of key pacer Nathan Ellis, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. His replacement, Spencer Johnson, is yet to join the squad, leaving the team short on specialist options.
Overton, 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 reflected in CSK’s overall bowling numbers, with the team conceding runs at a worrying economy rate of 11.57 in their first three games.
Also READ: IPL 2026: Ravichandran Ashwin opens up on CSK’s struggles after their heavy loss to RCB
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: crickettimes.com
