IPL 2026: 'Not too many smart heads there'- Ambati Rayudu questions CSK leadership
Former India batter Ambati Rayudu lamented Chennai Super Kings' lack of experienced heads on the field during their loss to Lucknow Super Giants. He highlighted young pacer Anshul Kamboj's struggles against Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran, suggesting senior players could have offered crucial support. Rayudu defended Kamboj, attributing his tough outing to exceptional batting.
Former India batter Ambati Rayudu believes Chennai Super Kings missed calm and experienced heads on the field during their heavy seven-wicket defeat against Lucknow Super Giants on Friday, especially when young pacer Anshul Kamboj came under relentless attack from Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran. CSK’s bowling attack had no answers as LSG chased down 188 in just 16. 4 overs at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
The night turned particularly difficult for Kamboj, who was smashed for four consecutive sixes by Mitchell Marsh in one over before Nicholas Pooran repeated the same assault later in the innings. The young pacer eventually finished with figures of 0/63 in 2. 4 overs.
Speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show after the match, Rayudu said CSK lacked senior players on the field who could have stepped in and helped Kamboj regain composure during the brutal spell. “I feel the CSK side, when you look at them at the ground, there are not too many smart heads or experienced heads there, players who could just control the game, who can go and give him a pat and say, ‘Boss, just wait, hang on for ten seconds, tie your laces up',” Rayudu said. The former CSK batter felt someone needed to break Kamboj’s rhythm of negative thoughts while the assault was unfolding.
Rayudu added that wicketkeeper Sanju Samson was too far away from the action to make an immediate impact in that pressure moment. “Maybe ask him, ‘Do you think a slower ball can work? Do you think we can bowl a yorker now?