Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2026 campaign suffered another serious jolt on Sunday night as they recorded their third consecutive loss, going down to Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 43 runs. The defeat was a continuation of an early-season slide, with CSK’s bowling and fielding unable to slow down RCB, who posted a formidable 250 in their 20 overs.
RCB’s innings: a dropped chance sparks momentum
- Early in the chase, Virat Kohli was reprieved when Shivam Dube dropped him on 7 at long-on.
- After that let-off, Kohli shifted gears and struck a run of boundaries, helping RCB gain real momentum.
Former India batter Krishnamachari Srikkanth—who has long been associated with CSK—did not hold back in his criticism of Ruturaj Gaikwad. On his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said the placement decisions were unacceptable, pointing out that Dube at long-on should not be where a top fielder is stationed in a key moment.
Srikkanth argued that RCB’s fielding setup places their best players in crucial positions, contrasting it with CSK’s approach. He specifically referenced how Kohli is stationed at long-on in RCB’s setup while elite fielders such as Phil Salt are used at other important spots, and he accused CSK of having “catching” men rather than the right athletes in the right areas.
He also took aim at Gaikwad’s overall leadership, describing the captain’s performance as poor and suggesting Gaikwad appeared unsure of how to respond. Alongside the fielding critique, Srikkanth added that Gaikwad’s bowling changes did not match the game’s needs.
Bowling calls questioned: missed windows and tactical errors
- Srikkanth said Gaikwad should have been able to control RCB after a strong opening period of about five overs.
- He pointed to how CSK “let RCB off the hook” too easily, highlighting that Overton delivered an impressive first over.
- Srikkanth noted that Overton was then targeted for a long hit before being brought back later, and he questioned why CSK didn’t stick with the bowler for a longer spell when he was working well.
- He further criticised the decision to hand Noor Ahmad the 17th over, arguing it was a wrong call in the context of how RCB had been able to develop Suyash Sharma after he arrived from KKR.
- Srikkanth also questioned CSK’s use of Prashant Veer, saying the team should have given him an over instead of sticking with the chosen option.
With the season already turning sour, CSK’s record now stands at three straight defeats at the start of IPL 2026, leaving them with a steep task ahead if they want to secure a spot in the playoffs.
