The recent defeat to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru has intensified the struggles of the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2026 season, prompting criticism from former CSK players aimed at captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and the team’s strategic decisions.

In their match against RCB, the Super Kings suffered a 43-run defeat, marking their third consecutive loss this season and extending a seven-match losing streak under Gaikwad’s leadership. The captain’s record now stands at 14 losses in 22 games. Lakshmipathy Balaji, a former bowler and coach for CSK, has expressed his discontent with Gaikwad’s bowling strategy during the match.

During the game held at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, RCB set a formidable target of 250 runs, a total that reflected poorly on Gaikwad’s management of England bowler Jamie Overton. Initially, Overton bowled two economical overs, conceding only 12 runs. However, Gaikwad’s decision to reintroduce him late in the innings proved detrimental, as Tim David of RCB unleashed a devastating assault, scoring 30 runs off Overton in the 19th over, which inflated his bowling figures to 1/42 in three overs.

Balaji criticized Gaikwad’s decision-making, stating, “A competent captain should utilize his secondary bowlers effectively when they are performing well. This could save around 20 runs in crucial moments. If Overton has bowled well for 13 runs in two overs, bringing him back later only to concede 40 runs is counterproductive. He should have completed his four overs while in form. Can Overton secure a victory by taking four or five wickets during the death overs?” This commentary was shared in a discussion between Balaji and former CSK player S Badrinath on a YouTube channel.

Furthermore, Balaji suggested that CSK needs to bolster its spin bowling by including West Indies left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein in place of Prashant Veer, who has had minimal impact with the ball so far despite being purchased for Rs 14.5 crore.

“Akeal Hosein should replace Prashant Veer in the playing XI. The strategy should avoid using Overton during death overs; otherwise, the game could be lost right there. Currently, it seems CSK is facing challenges in every area, from the batting order to their spin and pace bowling, as well as leadership,” Balaji remarked.

Badrinath also criticized CSK’s auction strategy, particularly the decision to invest heavily in two uncapped players, Veer and Rajasthan wicket-keeper Kartik Sharma, with both being the joint-most expensive uncapped signings in IPL history at Rs 14.5 crore each in the December 2025 auction.