Concerns Over CSK’s Strategy in the Final Overs
Former Indian cricketer and ex-Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player, Ambati Rayudu, has raised concerns about the team’s strategy during the final overs following their third consecutive loss in IPL 2026. On Sunday, April 5, Chennai Super Kings faced a 43-run defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, which highlighted their ongoing challenges in the tournament.
During RCB’s penultimate over, Jamie Overton conceded 30 runs as Tim David took advantage of the situation. David repeatedly hit the ball to the boundary, showing that the bowling strategy wasn’t effective. Rayudu pointed out that although the team had experimented with certain bowling angles during practice sessions, MS Dhoni never implemented them during matches. He noted that batters could easily manage those deliveries and suggested that CSK should focus on straightforward tactics such as accurate yorkers, well-pitched slower balls, and keeping things simple.
“They’ve experimented with it in practice over the years, but it never carried over into matches because MS didn’t endorse using that angle in that area. From a batter’s perspective, it was quite manageable just moving about half a foot outside the crease completely cancels out the angle,” Ambati Rayudu told ESPNcricinfo.
“They probably need to reassess that aspect. At times, going back to the basics works best, accurate yorkers, well-executed slower deliveries, and keeping things straightforward,” Ambati Rayudu added.
CSK’s Struggles at the Backend
CSK’s struggles in the final overs resurfaced as they leaked 78 runs in the last four overs, allowing Royal Challengers Bengaluru to reach an impressive total of 250/3. Despite crossing the 200-mark, Chennai Super Kings never posed a serious threat to the target.
Persistent Bowling Woes
Chennai Super Kings have experienced significant pressure on their death-over execution, especially after Nathan Ellis was sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Although Spencer Johnson has been named as his replacement, he is not currently with the team, leaving the side short of a specialist in the closing overs. Overton, who stepped into that role, has struggled to adapt. Delivering from around the wicket is not a natural variation for him, as he rarely used that angle in his career before the game against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Over the past few seasons, the Super Kings ecosystem, including Joburg Super Kings and Texas Super Kings, has increasingly relied on around-the-wicket tactics, often assigning that responsibility to bowlers who specialise in it.
Inconsistent Performance
So far this season, CSK’s bowling unit has lacked control. Across their opening three matches, they have been expensive, conceding at an economy rate of 11.57. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar had earlier pointed out that the bowling attack could become their biggest concern, frequently forcing the batting lineup to aim for totals in excess of 220.
After their defeat to RCB, CSK remain in the 10th spot with a net run rate of -2.517. They will look to reset when they face Delhi Capitals on April 11 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
