While people are criticising Ruturaj Gaikwad for his poor captaincy, the team has collectively failed as a unit to perform.

There have been several points to talk about, especially from their last match against RCB. While batting first, RCB posted a mammoth 250 runs on their scoreboard because of the poor CSK bowling. This has been a major issue this time, even bigger than their batting. They lost the opening game against the Rajasthan Royals by 8 wickets, where the Rajasthan Royals chased down the target of 128 runs in just 12.1 overs. While the batters did perform in the second game against the Punjab Kings and posted 209 runs on the scoreboard, it was their bowlers again who let the match slip away. Hence, Punjab reached the target in just 18.4 overs.

Now, CSK was belted for 250 runs by the defending champions at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday. The bowlers were seen struggling for their line and length, where RCB batters, including Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, and Tim David, were smashing them for easy sixes all over the stadium.

Despite having a solid squad for IPL 2026, the team has failed to click with an ideal combination, especially with their bowling unit. They do have bowlers, including Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed, and Anshul Kamboj, but they are ideally not suited for death bowling.

Krishnamachari Srikkanth, the former Indian player and captain, has come to highlight the same issue and talk about the bowling performance of Kiwi pacer Matt Henry. The former captain blasted Henry for his poor bowling statistics in the ongoing edition so far.

On his YouTube channel, Kris Srikkanth said:

"Their team combination is totally wrong to start with. Anyone and everyone will say Akeal Hosein should play. It's such an obvious choice. I've no idea why they played Matt Henry. Matt Henry was unnecessary. RCB thrashed him. He should never play in the 11 again.”

He further questioned his place and urged the management to play Akeal Hosein in the playing XI, he said:

"How much more evidence do they need that Henry is getting clobbered? I can't understand. When it's clear your bowling is so weak, why not play Akeal Hosein?”

Henry, who is a skilled international bowler and is especially known for scalping wickets in the power play and middle overs, has been struggling with his line and length in the tournament. He has been leaking runs in every match with no real impact in the power play. He has been poor with the numbers, taking just two wickets so far in three games at a bowling average of 65 and an economy of 13.

Chennai Super Kings will need to rectify their mistakes before their next match. They will play against the Delhi Capitals on Saturday, April 11, in Chennai.