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Former Indian cricketer and ex-Chennai Super Kings player Ambati Rayudu has voiced concerns over CSK’s strategy in the final overs, following their third straight loss in IPL 2026. On Sunday, April 5, Chennai Super Kings fell short by 43 runs against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, highlighting their ongoing struggles in the tournament.

During RCB’s penultimate over, Jamie Overton gave away 30 runs with Tim David going after him. He bowled around the wicket but David repeatedly lifted the ball to the boundary.

Rayudu mentioned that although the team had experimented with certain bowling angles during practice sessions, MS Dhoni never put them into play during matches. He noted that batters could easily handle those deliveries and advised CSK to focus on straightforward tactics, including 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 struggle at the backend resurfaced as they leaked 78 in the last four overs, allowing Royal Challengers Bengaluru to reach a daunting 250/3. Despite breaching the 200 mark, Chennai Super Kings never seriously threatened the target.

CSK’s bowling woes persist

Chennai Super Kings have found their death-over execution under serious strain, especially after Nathan Ellis was sidelined due to a hamstring setback. Although Spencer Johnson has been named as his replacement, but he is not with the team, leaving the side short of a specialist in the closing overs. Stepping into that role, Overton has struggled to adapt. Delivering from around the wicket is not a natural variation for him, having rarely used that angle in his career prior to 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.

So far this season, however, 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.