Liveblog - Big Picture: Who Steps Up as Death Bowlers for CSK in IPL 2026?

After finishing at the bottom of the table in IPL 2025, both Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals have undergone major changes ahead of the 2026 season. With fresh leadership, squad reshuffles, and injury concerns, both teams enter the new campaign with questions to answer—and for CSK, the biggest one revolves around their death bowling.

A Season of Change for CSK and RR

One of the headline moves saw Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja swap teams, significantly altering the balance of both sides. Riyan Parag now leads RR, while Ruturaj Gaikwad resumes captaincy duties at CSK after an injury-hit 2025 season.

CSK will begin without MS Dhoni, who is likely sidelined for the opening weeks due to a calf injury. To make matters worse, Dewald Brevis is also unavailable for the first match, as confirmed by head coach Stephen Fleming.

Squad Balance: RR Look Settled, CSK Less So

RR appear to have corrected last season’s imbalance by moving away from a spin-heavy overseas combination. The additions of Ravi Bishnoi and Jadeja strengthen their spin options, while the pace attack boasts serious firepower with Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger and Adam Milne.

CSK, on the other hand, look slightly unsettled—particularly in their bowling unit. The injury withdrawal of Nathan Ellis forced them to bring in Spencer Johnson, who himself is returning from injury. Matt Henry adds experience, but may not be a guaranteed match-winner in IPL conditions.

The Core Issue: Who Handles the Death Overs?

This is where CSK’s biggest concern lies.

Most of their Indian pace options—Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj and others—are primarily effective in the powerplay. Even all-round options like Akeal Hosein tend to operate earlier in the innings.

Noor Ahmad, who was among the top spinners in IPL 2025, is expected to control the middle overs. But when it comes to the final five overs, CSK lack a clear, specialist option.

That leaves a few possibilities:

• Matt Henry could be trusted for experience, but his IPL record is inconsistent
• Jamie Overton (if selected) offers pace and variation, but is not a proven death specialist
• Khaleel Ahmed may need to expand his role beyond the powerplay

Unless someone steps up, CSK risk leaking runs in the most crucial phase of the innings.

Team News: Selection Calls Ahead

RR will need to decide between Donovan Ferreira and Dasun Shanaka as their all-round option. They also face a pace choice between Burger and Milne.

For CSK, the absence of Dhoni opens the door for Samson to take up wicketkeeping duties alongside Gaikwad at the top. The No.3 position remains undecided, with Sarfaraz Khan, Ayush Mhatre and Urvil Patel in contention.

Players in Focus

All eyes will be on Jadeja as he returns to RR, bringing his trademark all-round value. Meanwhile, CSK could hand a debut to Prashant Veer, a relatively unknown name with a reputation for aggressive batting and useful bowling.

Conditions Watch: Guwahati Weather Could Play a Role

The match is set to be played in Guwahati, where rain has already disrupted preparations. A fresh pitch is expected, but moisture could influence team combinations and bowling strategies.

The Bottom Line

While RR seem to have addressed their balance issues, CSK head into IPL 2026 with a glaring gap in their death bowling. Unless a bowler rises to the occasion, this could be a recurring weakness throughout their campaign—and one that opposition teams will be eager to exploit.