Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batsman Subramaniam Badrinath criticized captain Ruturaj Gaikwad for questionable bowling changes during the team's 43-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Sunday, April 5.
CSK looked in control for the first 15 overs of RCB's innings, but the five-time champions faltered dramatically in the death overs. Thanks to Tim David's explosive innings of unbeaten 70 runs in just 25 balls, the defending champions scored 97 runs in the last five overs. David demolished jamie overton Giving away 30 runs in the 19th over, despite the fast bowler being CSK's most economical bowler by then, he gave away only 12 runs in his first two overs.
Badrinath said on his YouTube channel, “He gave the 19th over to Overton. Overton has never bowled in the death over in his life. He has never bowled round the wicket, but Gaikwad made him do it. Giving 92 runs in the last four overs is too much.”
“As long as Dubey was batting, RCB never brought Suyyash Sharma on the field. As soon as Dubey was out, Suyyash came in. While Ruturaj Gaikwad knew Rajat Patidar was one of the best players of spin, he immediately gave the ball to Noor Ahmed against him. Patidar hit two sixes off Noor's ball. It's the little things that make a big difference,” he added.
Badrinath believes that CSK is missing the presence of experienced MS Dhoni in IPL 2026. Dhoni has been ruled out of the first three matches due to a calf injury, while Dewald Brevis is also unavailable due to a side strain. Highlighting CSK's struggles in the standings, Badrinath urged both players to return to the eleven even if they are not fully fit.
Badrinath said, “They are missing MS Dhoni. He was the original leader of CSK. He used to guide the franchise to the players they needed in the auction. Dhoni could identify the difference between gold and brass. He had a trained eye to differentiate between the two. Now CSK lacks that.”
“I would urge CSK to play Dhoni, who is 45 and not 100% fit, in the 11. Same is the case with Brevis, and if both of them come, there can be some positivity within the team. If you had given Dhoni the same team and bowling attack, he would have at least reduced this 250 to 220 or 225. So 70% fit Dhoni and Brevis should also play, otherwise I fear that CSK's season may be over,” he further said.
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