3 major changes CSK should make against RCB in IPL 2026
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CSK will face RCB in IPL 2026 on April 5.
Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have lost both of their opening matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026), against Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS).
CSK’s bowling line-up has been leaky, while their batting department, led by the names Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad, has failed to live up to expectations.
In their third game, they will lock horns against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 11 of IPL 2026 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday, April 5. While RCB started their campaign with a dominant victory, CSK are currently on a losing streak.
On that note, let’s take a look at the 3 major changes Chennai Super Kings should make against RCB in IPL 2026.
3. Bringing in Zak Foulkes as an impact player
The Chennai Super Kings faced the Punjab Kings with only two overseas players, as Prashant Veer replaced Matthew Short, and Jamie Overton was on the impact players’ list. Noor Ahmed has performed poorly hitherto. On the other hand, Dewald Brevis missed the last two matches due to injury.
In that case, the five-time champions, who are already focusing on fielding a young playing XI, can place their bet on the New Zealand all-rounder Zak Foulkes.
The 22-year-old also played for the Black Caps during their ODI series against India. In 22 T20Is, Foulkes has taken 22 wickets and also scored 100 runs.
2. Introducing Akeal Hosein to the line-up
The Chennai Super Kings bowlers have conceded 338 runs in 30.5 overs while taking only seven wickets in the initial two matches. The figures do not look very promising as CSK gear up to face the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Chennai’s spinners Noor Ahmed and Rahul Chahar have failed to emerge as the wicket-taking threat in the middle overs. Meanwhile, fast bowlers Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj have also underperformed.
In that case, the Super Kings should certainly introduce left-arm orthodox spinner Akeal Hosein into the line-up. Hosein can replace Noor Ahmed, who has conceded 62 runs in six overs without taking a wicket in the last two games.
1. Going with a pivot-aggression strategy in the power play overs
Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad are one of the strongest opening pairs in the IPL 2026. However, they require balls to settle, and the initial six power-play overs are crucial for any team in limited-overs cricket. In that case, one of the two would have to take charge of scoring big hits.
During their batting order collapse against the Rajasthan Royals, Samson and Gaikwad both scored six runs each. Meanwhile, against Punjab, Samson lost his wicket at 7, and Gaikward scored 28 off 22 deliveries at a strike rate of 127. To win, CSK’s openers need to push the scoreboard in the initial overs.
What is the head-to-head record of CSK and RCB?
The two teams have played 35 games against each other, and Chennai Super Kings lead the tally with 21 wins.
What was the result of the last RCB vs CSK match?
RCB defeated CSK by 50 runs during their last match in March 2025.
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