The 2025 season was nothing short of a nightmare for Chennai Super Kings’ bowling unit. Week after week, they leaked runs at an alarming rate, lacking bite both in the powerplay and at the death. What should have been close contests turned into one-sided defeats, largely due to a toothless and erratic bowling attack.
Heading into IPL 2026, CSK must act decisively. Sentiment can no longer cloud judgement. The franchise needs to swing the axe where needed and rebuild its bowling core with clarity and intent. Three players must be shown the door, while three new names could inject the quality and steel required to turn things around.
Players CSK Should Let Go
Jamie Overton
Overton’s short stint with CSK has been forgettable. In three matches, he bowled just 6 overs, conceded runs at 13.82 per over, and failed to take a single wicket. He’s offered little with either bat or ball, embodying the mediocrity that plagued CSK’s campaign. A liability across all phases, his release feels inevitable.
Nathan Ellis
Ellis barely featured in the 2025 season, and when he did, he left little impact. Taking up an overseas slot without delivering consistent returns simply doesn’t work in a team that’s looking to rebuild. With better foreign bowling options available, it’s hard to justify keeping him in the squad moving forward.
Sam Curran
Curran came in with high expectations, especially given his earlier IPL success and all-round capabilities. While he chipped in with a few handy batting contributions, his bowling was a major letdown. Time and again, he struggled with both control and penetration. For the price CSK paid, they needed a frontline performer not a bits-and-pieces player.
Potential Recruits Who Could Move To CSK
Reece Topley
Topley ticks several boxes that CSK is currently missing. A tall left-armer with natural bounce and swing, he brings something different to the table. While injuries and form have kept him out of the spotlight recently, his past performances show he can be a match-winner. Topley could be a smart, low-cost acquisition who adds variety and experience to the attack.
Rushil Ugarkar
The 22-year-old made headlines with a clutch performance in the MLC 2025 final, defending 12 runs in the last over to secure victory for MI New York. Calm under pressure and tactically astute, Ugarkar has already shown he’s built for the big moments. Having trained at the NCA, he also brings familiarity with Indian conditions. He could be a golden discovery to address CSK’s glaring death bowling issues.
Akash Madhwal
Remember that breathtaking 5/5 spell in the 2023 IPL Eliminator? Akash Madhwal has already proven he can shine on the big stage. Known for his control and knack for picking wickets, Madhwal would be an asset to CSK’s attack. If they can secure him through a trade, it could prove to be a game-changing move.
No Room for Nostalgia
CSK’s bowling unit needs a complete reboot. The failures of 2025 weren’t isolated incidents, they were systemic and consistent. The team can no longer afford to carry underperformers based on potential or past glories.
It’s time for the management to be ruthlessly honest and make bold calls. By replacing costly under-performers with targeted, high-upside players, CSK can once again be the force they’re known to be. This isn’t about comfort, it’s about survival. And the clock is ticking.
