Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) death overs strategy has been facing widespread scrutiny after the disappointing performance against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Not just their former player Ravichandran Ashwin, but Ambati Rayudu has blamed CSK team management for copy-pasting death overs template across leagues. Rayudu dropped a bombshell when he revealed that similar strategy was pushed before as well but legendary captain MS Dhoni stopped it in its tracks. Now, in injured Dhoni's absence, the strategy has been exposed after Tim David and Rajat Patidar's brutal onslaught in slog overs at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium.
On ESPNCricinfo’s TimeOut show, the strategy and its usage across leagues by Super Kings was discussed. Rayudu revealed that using the wide yorkers from round the stumps was tried in the nets but rejected by Dhoni as eventually it comes easier for a batter to counter if not executed with absolute precision.
“They’ve tried that in practice sessions over the years, but it never translated into games because MS didn’t approve of using that kind of angle in the depth. Even as batters, we found it easy to counter those deliveries - if you stand just half a foot outside the crease, the angle is completely nullified," Rayudu told ESPNcricinfo.
"I think that’s an area they need to review. Sometimes, it’s better to stick to conventional strategies: good yorkers, well-pitched slower balls, keep it simple and basic," Rayudu added.
In the last five overs, RCB's Patidar and David racked up 97 runs which practically pushed an out-of-form CSK out of the game. Overton struggled to execute and was hit for four sixes by David in the penultimate over which went for 30 runs.
CSK’s selection blunders and dilemmas continue
Left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed was the only CSK bowler who didn't concede at an economy rate under 10 runs per over. Once again, left-arm spinner Prashant Veer wasn't used, Akeal Hosein remained on the bench whereas Noor Ahmad continued to get the backing of the management. CSK management did not do themselves a favour by bringing in an unfit Spencer Johnson for an injured Nathan Ellis. Johnson won't join them for at least another three games. Even if they decide to bench Matt Henry, they will have to replace him with either Gurjapneet Singh, Mukesh Choudhary or Zakary Foulkes.