Chennai Super Kings (MY photo) Former Chennai Super Kings batsman Ambati Rayudu has criticized the side’s approach to the ball following their 43-run loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026, suggesting that a lack of adaptability has cost them dearly.CSK were put under immense pressure after RCB posted a dismal 250/3 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Tim David and Rajat Patidar’s late attack proved decisive with the duo stitching 99 runs in just 35 balls. Despite a spirited effort with the bat, CSK were eventually bowled out for 207.
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CSK is organizing a fan engagement event in Chepauk ahead of IPL 2026 Reflecting on the bowling performance, Rayudu felt that the problem was not just the original plan, but the failure to reassess when things started to slip away.“More than a bad plan, they just stuck to the bad plan. There was no one to step in and just take some time, take that 20-30 seconds, just slow it down a little bit and then give the bowlers a message. I think they should have slowed it down a little bit,” Rayudu said.The closing phase of the innings, where RCB scored 97 runs in the last five overs, highlighted CSK’s fight at the death. Rayudu pointed out that the bowlers were not able to react effectively after being hit.“Their follow-up balls after a boundary or a six are not great,” he added.“Generally as a bowler you have to be aware that I got a six but it depends on the next ball. Whenever you see good death bowlers, they always follow up with a very good ball. But their bowling in the overs and bowling in the middle positions was much better than last game.”While CSK faltered at key moments, Rayudu praised RCB’s keen awareness and control throughout the contest, which has been a hallmark of their recent dominance, including their fourth straight win over CSK.“RCB, meanwhile, will not let anything slip; they just want to control every scenario, every end,” he said.The contrast in execution and decision-making in the game eventually proved decisive as CSK’s inability to adjust under pressure allowed RCB to take complete control of the match.
