Chennai Super Kings have endured a tough beginning to IPL 2026, with defeats mounting against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings. Their most recent loss arrived on Sunday, and it was shaped by a brutal spell from Bengaluru’s batters after RCB posted a commanding total of 250/3. A late surge led by Tim David and Rajat Patidar proved decisive, with Patidar contributing 99 runs off just 35 balls as the visitors built pressure in the closing overs. Despite a determined reply, CSK could not match the pace of the chase and were eventually dismissed for 207.
Even in a chase that ultimately fell short, the CSK bowling unit struggled to contain the momentum once Bengaluru got going. Apart from Khaleel Ahmed, nearly everyone was hit for runs at a rate above 10 per over. Spinner Noor Ahmed, who had been a regular contributor for CSK during IPL 2025, conceded 49 runs in four overs and failed to take a wicket, a factor that drew sharp criticism.
Irfan Pathan, speaking on his YouTube channel, said Noor is currently CSK’s main concern with the ball. “Noor is CSK’s biggest problem right now. He has bowled around 10 overs this season and conceded over 100 runs. He doesn’t have a single wicket. I think if he tweaks the angle of his run-up, the alignment will improve too, and the way his hand is coming down on one side should become straighter,” Pathan remarked.
Pathan also expressed disappointment that a bowler with experience has not delivered the kind of impact expected in this format. “I’m really disappointed with his bowling because he brings in experience. He has had good performances and strong economy, but he hasn’t been able to reproduce that level in this league. An experienced bowler shouldn’t be serving half-volleys. Anshul Kamboj removed Virat Kohli with a bouncer after seeing him step out. Matt Henry also kept bowling full deliveries even after Virat had stepped out,” he added.
The match itself swung on heavy hitting from Bengaluru’s captain Rajat Patidar and Tim David. David finished unbeaten on 70 off 25 balls, while Patidar’s rapid 99-ball-free knock set up the dominant platform. Pathan pointed out that one key moment came when David was dismissed on a no-ball, emphasising how small errors can be punished heavily in T20 cricket.
“David got bowled on a no-ball. Anshul Kamboj bluffed him, but giving Tim David a free hit is like inviting danger—khataron ke khiladi,” Pathan said. He further explained the tactical angle behind David’s success, arguing that the bowler’s line gave the batter the exact leverage he needed. “Tim David normally stays outside the leg stump. So if you bowl at the off stump, you’re giving him width. If the bowler thinks he won’t get room by bowling at the off stump, he is actually offering room. You have to bowl at the middle stump and leg stump; otherwise, he’s going to hit you. You can block him early on, which Chennai didn’t do, and he took full advantage of that,” Pathan concluded.
