Chennai Super Kings (CSK) they find themselves in trouble early on IPL 2026and their recent defeat once again exposed a glaring weakness – ineffective death bowling. After a heavy loss Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)the former CSK batsman openly criticized the team’s tactical approach, suggesting that the experimental methods cost them at crucial moments.
A strange strategy used by CSK, whose past batter’s flags have resulted in death in the IPL
Former CSK batter Ambati Rayudu shared his thoughts and did not hold back when analyzing CSK’s bowling plans in the final overs. He revealed that the franchise has been experimenting with unusual angles during training sessions for years, especially bowling around the wicket. However, these tactics rarely fit into previous situations due to the former captain’s influence MS Dhoni.
According to Rayudu, the idea itself is flawed when implemented under duress. He explained that batters can easily neutralize such angles by making small adjustments to the crease. Based on his own experience as a batter, he noted that stepping slightly outside the crease can completely negate the advantage bowlers would get from these deliveries.
He urged the team to move away from overcomplicating their plans and instead rely on proven techniques like yorkers and well-directed slower balls.
“They’ve tried it in practice sessions over the years, but it never made it into games because MS didn’t accept using that kind of angle at depth. Even with sticks, we found it easy to counter those deliveries – if you’re standing just half a foot off the crease, the angle is completely nullified,” Rayudu told ESPNcricinfo.
“I think that’s an area they need to look at. Sometimes it’s better to stick to traditional strategies: good yorkers, slower balls that sound good, keep it plain and simple,” Rayudu added.
The cost of Jamie Overton is a game changer
The turning point in the match came in the penultimate period of RCB’s innings. England comprehensively Jamie Overton endured a nightmare spell conceding 30 runs in one over.
RCBs Tim David He used the situation brilliantly, finding the boundary many times with a powerful shot. Overton’s attempt to bowl the ball around the wicket backfired as David comfortably got under the deliveries and cleared the ropes with ease.
It was instrumental in taking RCB to 250/3, putting CSK on the back foot despite a strong batting response later in the game.
Also READ: Bhuvneshwar Kumar writes history to achieve a special milestone in RCB vs CSK match in IPL 2026.
Death bowling crisis worsens for CSK
CSK’s struggle at the death has become a recurring theme this season. Against RCB, they leaked a staggering 78 runs in the last over, a milestone that ultimately decided the outcome of the match. The problem was compounded by the lack of a key accelerator Nathan EllisHe was sidelined due to a thigh injury. Instead, Spencer Johnsonhas not yet joined the team, leaving the team short of specialist options.
Tasked with filling that void, Overton struggled to adjust — especially with angles he wasn’t used to using in competitive matches. This lack of clarity and consistency was reflected in CSK’s overall bowling numbers, with the team conceding a worrying 11.57 runs in their first three games.
Also READ: IPL 2026: Ravichandran Ashwin opens CSK’s fightback after heavy loss to RCB
