Chennai Super Kings (CSK) started their IPL 2026 campaign on a poor note, where both their batting and bowling units faltered. CSK have lost their first two games, and next they will take on the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Former India and CSK batter Ambati Rayudu has urged CSK to make a few changes for the big clash as well.
“If Dewald Brevis comes in, he could add a lot of value. Akeal Hosein should definitely play, along with Jamie Overton and Noor Ahmad. I think those four would make for a very strong combination,” Rayudu said, speaking on ESPNcricinfo.
Despite being a spinner, Akeal Hosein often bowls in the power play and that too in the very first over of the innings sometimes. However, Rayudu also said that Akeal could trouble RCB’s opening duo of Virat Kohli and Phil Salt as well.
“CSK certainly have the resources, they just need to get the combination right” – Ambati Rayudu
“Akeal can be effective against both Virat Kohli and Phil Salt at the start of the innings, while Overton and Noor can control things through the middle overs, alongside someone like Anshul Kamboj or Mukesh Choudhary,” he said. “CSK certainly have the resources, they just need to get the combination right. If they do that, they’re still very much in with a strong chance,” Rayudu again added.
Meanwhile, England pace-bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton was CSK’s only positive in a poor show against the Rajasthan Royals in their first game of IPL 2026 as well. Overton scored 43 with the bat as CSK were bowled out for 127.
But, surprisingly, Overton was not added in their second match against the Punjab Kings, which also ended in defeat. Having finished at the bottom of the IPL for the very first time in 2025, CSK will try to do well this year.
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