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Sam Curran Gone, MI Star In: 3 Changes In Pace Department CSK Might Aim Ahead Of IPL 2026

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Sam Curran for CSK [Source: @ShuhidAufridi/x.com]Sam Curran for CSK [Source: @ShuhidAufridi/x.com]

Chennai Super Kings' bowling unit imploded spectacularly in 2025, haemorrhaging runs at an alarming economy rate throughout the tournament. Their death bowling crisis and powerplay passivity transformed matches from winnable contests to inevitable defeats.

The franchise must wield the axe ruthlessly to resurrect their championship aspiration in IPL 2026. Three expensive failures demand immediate release, while three strategic acquisitions might offer redemption.

3 Release Candidates

Jamie Overton

Jamie Overton played three matches for CSK in IPL 2023 and bowled 6 overs in them. He has no wickets to show, while having an economy rate of 13.82. The English all-rounder epitomises CSK's bowling malaise, offering nothing but expensive mediocrity across all phases. 

Nathan Ellis 

Nathan Ellis played for CSK in IPL 2025 [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com]Nathan Ellis played for CSK in IPL 2025 [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com]

Barely visible in CSK's dismal campaign, Nathan Ellis could not justify his overseas slot when it mattered the most. His peripheral role signals that management might look to think ahead of him in the upcoming season.

Sam Curran 

When CSK acquired the English all-rounder, there was a lot of expectation around him, given his ability to be impactful with both bat and ball. Although Sam Curran made some decent contributions with the bat, he had a catastrophic season with the ball in hand. 

3 Redemption Recruits

Reece Topley

The towering left-armer brings international pedigree and powerplay expertise that CSK desperately craves. Despite not being too active in the last season of the IPL, his previous performances showcase match-winning potential.

Reece Topley's 6'7" frame generates natural bounce while the left-arm angle provides crucial variety. He could be an exceptional budget recruit for CSK ahead of the next season.

Rushil Ugarkar

Rushil Ugarkar for MINY [Source: @MINYCricket/x.com]Rushil Ugarkar for MINY [Source: @MINYCricket/x.com]

The 22-year-old sensation recently orchestrated MI New York's MLC 2025 win, defending 12 runs in the pressure-cooker final over. His nerveless composure under extreme duress directly addresses CSK's death bowling catastrophe.

Rushil Ugarkar's tactical acumen—utilising speed variation in the final—demonstrates the cricket intelligence that CSK could benefit from. He has also trained previously in NCS, ensuring familiarity with Indian conditions.

Akash Madhwal

Akash Madhwal's mesmerising 5/5 in the 2023 IPL Eliminator remains one of the finest bowling performances in IPL. In that very season, he also demonstrates his wicket-taking prowess, the kind of penetration which the current toothless CSK attack needs.

If CSK can acquire him through potential trade negotiations, Madhwal could be a brilliant move with his proven IPL excellence.

The Bottom Line

CSK need a bowling renaissance, and it demands clinical decisiveness over misplaced sentiment. The current pace battery's comprehensive failure across all phases necessitates immediate transformation.

By replacing expensive mediocrity with targeted excellence, CSLK can transform from a laughingstock to a championship contender. The data demands action—these moves represent survival, not luxury.