Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will lock horns with Axar Patel's Delhi Capital (DC) in their upcoming IPL 2026 clash on Tuesday, May 5 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. CSK will aim to secure a win in this important clash to stay alive in the playoff race.
Key suggestion for Chennai Super Kings
Ahead of the key clash, Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has urged CSK to make important changes in the playing XI to secure victory. In an interaction with ESPNcricinfo, Bangar asked CSK for Akeal Hosein's return in the line-up for strengthening the bowling attack.
Also Read: 'I was branded a Test player': KL Rahul makes 'proud' admission on changing T20 batting approach
Also Read: After two no balls, Sunil Gavaskar slams Jasprit Bumrah's 'unacceptable' blunder
The former India coach believes that the star spinner's return might help the team to achieve a proper balance and proper usage of other bowlers could be also possible.
"Whenever he plays, it just seems that the CSK's bowling mix is about right. Anshul [Kamboj] and Akeal can bowl two overs each and then they can manage the remaining two overs between Mukesh [Choudhury] and some other option. [Jamie] Overton is now being considered a middle over specialist. So that takes care of the middle overs with Noor [Ahmad].
Talking further, Sanjay backed his point by saying that Hosein could be a good option against DC's opening duo of KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka who are going through a red-hot form in the ongoing season.
"I would want to see Akeal in the mix against DC because they have KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka at the top, potentially to open the innings," added Bangar.
How Akeal Hosein has fared in IPL 2026
Akeal has been a outstanding performer for the Yellow Army in the ongoing season, securing six wickets in just four games at an average of 18.17 and an economy rate of 7.98. His best bowling figures of 4/17 came against Mumbai Indians. Surprisingly, Akeal's game time has been very limited, given his stats he could be very useful against a formidable side like DC.