Rayudu Slams CSK's "Bad Plan" After Third Straight IPL Loss to RCB

Former CSK batter Ambati Rayudu has criticized the team's inability to adapt their bowling plan during a heavy defeat to RCB. He highlighted that the team stubbornly stuck to a failing strategy, particularly during the death overs where RCB smashed 97 runs in the final five. Rayudu contrasted this with RCB's superior game awareness and control over every scenario. The loss marks CSK's third consecutive defeat and RCB's fourth straight win over their rivals.

Key Points: Rayudu: CSK Stuck to Bad Plan in IPL Loss to RCB

  • CSK's rigid plan criticized
  • Death bowling exposed
  • RCB's dynamic control praised
  • Late onslaught by RCB batters
2 min read

IPL 2026: They just stuck to a bad plan, says Rayudu on CSK third straight loss

Ambati Rayudu criticizes CSK's rigid tactics after a 43-run defeat to RCB. Analysis of bowling collapse and RCB's dynamic game awareness.

"More than a bad plan, they just stuck to that bad plan. - Ambati Rayudu"

Bengaluru, April 6

Former Chennai Super Kings batter Ambati Rayudu believes the team "stuck to a bad plan" that hurt as they slumped to a 43-run defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their IPL 2026 clash at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

CSK endured a difficult outing with the ball as RCB piled up a massive 250/3, powered by a late onslaught from Tim David and Rajat Patidar, who added 99 runs in just 35 balls. The visitors then fell short despite a fighting chase, eventually being bowled out for 207.

Analysing CSK's bowling effort, Rayudu pointed out that the issue was not merely planning, but the inability to deviate when things began to unravel.

"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 told ESPNCricinfo.

RCB's late surge, which saw them smash 97 runs in the final five overs, exposed CSK's struggles at the death. "Their follow-up balls after a boundary or a six aren't great," Rayudu 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."

In contrast, Rayudu praised RCB's game awareness and ability to respond dynamically to changing situations, which have contributed to their dominant run, including a fourth consecutive win over CSK. "RCB, meanwhile, are not letting anything just pass by; they just want to control every scenario, every over," he said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's painful to watch as a CSK fan. Giving away 97 runs in the last 5 overs is unacceptable at this level. The leadership on the field needs to be questioned. Where was the captain? Why no strategic time-out to break the momentum?
R
Rohit P
As an RCB supporter, I'm loving this! Finally, our team is showing the game awareness Rayudu is talking about. Controlling every over, every scenario. Feels good to be on the other side of a dominant win against CSK for a change. 😄
S
Sarah B
While I agree with the criticism of CSK's death bowling, I think Rayudu is being a bit harsh. The powerplay and middle overs were an improvement, as he himself said. It's a long tournament; they have time to fix this.
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Vikram M
The problem is the lack of a world-class death bowler. We had Bravo, then Pathirana. Who is the designated finisher with the ball now? You can have all the plans, but if the execution in the final overs is weak, you will lose high-scoring games. Yaar, find a specialist!
K
Karthik V
Tim David and Patidar were brutal. 99 runs in 35 balls! Sometimes you just have to tip your hat to the batting. But Rayudu's point about "following up with a good ball" is basic cricket. Our bowlers panicked. Need more mental strength.

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