Chennai Super Kings (ANI Photo)

Former Chennai Super Kings batter Ambati Rayudu has criticised the side’s approach with the ball after their 43-run loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026, suggesting a lack of adaptability cost them dearly. CSK were put under immense pressure after RCB posted a daunting 250/3 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The late assault from Tim David and Rajat Patidar proved decisive, with the duo stitching together a blistering 99-run stand in just 35 balls. Despite a spirited effort with the bat, CSK were eventually bowled out for 207. Reflecting on the bowling performance, Rayudu felt the problem was not just the initial plan but the failure to reassess when things began slipping away. “More than a bad plan, they just stuck to that bad plan. There was nobody to intervene and to just take some time off, take those 20-30 seconds, just make it slightly more slow and then guide the bowler with a message. I think they should have slowed it down a little bit,” Rayudu said. The closing stages of the innings, where RCB hammered 97 runs in the final five overs, highlighted CSK’s struggles at the death. Rayudu pointed out that the bowlers were unable to respond effectively after being hit. “Their follow-up balls after a boundary or a six aren’t great,” he added. “Generally, as a bowler, you need to be aware that, okay, I have been hit for a six, but it’s the next ball that matters. Whenever you see good death bowlers, they always follow up with a very good ball. But their powerplay bowling and middle-overs bowling was much better than what it was last game.” While CSK faltered in key moments, Rayudu lauded RCB’s sharp awareness and control throughout the contest, which has been a hallmark of their recent dominance, including a fourth straight win over CSK. “RCB, meanwhile, are not letting anything just pass by; they just want to control every scenario, every over,” he said. The contrast in execution and in-game decision-making ultimately proved decisive, as CSK’s inability to adapt under pressure allowed RCB to take complete control of the match.