Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Subramaniam Badrinath criticised skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad for his questionable bowling changes during the side’s 43-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Sunday, April 5.
CSK appeared in control for the first 15 overs of RCB’s innings, but the five-time champions faltered dramatically in the death overs. The defending champions scored 97 runs in the final five overs, fueled by Tim David’s explosive unbeaten 70 off just 25 balls. David dismantled Jamie Overton in the 19th over, smashing 30 runs, despite the pacer having been CSK’s most economical bowler until then, giving away only 12 runs in his first two overs.
“He gave the 19th over to Overton. Overton has never bowled in the death in his life. He also never bowled round the wicket, but Gaikwad made him do that. Giving 92 runs off the last four overs is too much,” said Badrinath on his YouTube channel.
“Until the time Dube was batting, RCB never brought Suyash Sharma onto the field. As soon as Dube got out, Suyash came in. Whereas Ruturaj Gaikwad, knowing Rajat Patidar is one of the best players of spin, gave Noor Ahmad the ball immediately against him. Patidar smashed two sixes off Noor. These are the small things that make a big difference,” he added.
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Badrinath believes CSK are missing the presence of veteran MS Dhoni in IPL 2026. Dhoni has been sidelined for the first three games due to a calf injury, while Dewald Brevis is also unavailable with a side strain. Highlighting CSK’s struggles in the standings, Badrinath urged both players to return to the XI even if not fully fit.
“They are feeling the absence of MS Dhoni. He was the original leader of CSK. He used to direct the franchise on the players he needed at the auction. Dhoni could identify the difference between gold and brass. He had the trained eye to differentiate between the two. That’s missing with CSK now,” said Badrinath.
“I would urge CSK to play even a 45-year-old and not 100% fit Dhoni in the 11. Same with Brevis, and if these two come in, there may be some positivity within the team. If you give the same team and bowling attack to Dhoni, he would have at least reduced this 250 to 220 or 225. So even a 70% fit Dhoni and Brevis should play as otherwise, I fear CSK’s season might be over,” he added.
