I Want To See Pooran Makes A Statement Against RCB : Mitchell McClenaghan

Chennai Super Kings recorded their second consecutive win in TATA IPL 2026 by defeating Kolkata Knight Riders by 32 runs. Speaking on Star Sports’ ‘Amul Cricket Live’ programme, JioStar experts Piyush Chawla and Mitchell McClenaghan commented on CSK’s bowling performance, tactical awareness and today’s Competition Week match between RCB and LSG.

Speaking on Star Sports’ ‘Amul Cricket Live’ programme, JioStar expert Piyush Chawla praised Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy:

“Akeal Hosein did not turn up to bowl in the first six overs as KKR sent Sunil Narine to open, hoping to exploit Akeal. But Ruturaj was smart. He used Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj with the new ball as soon as he saw Narine coming out to open. It was really good captaincy as both the bowlers got rid of KKR’s opening pair Finn Allen and Narine. As soon as Narine was dismissed, Akeal was dismissed.” Hosein was brought into the attack and he did his job brilliantly, it was really nice to watch the way Ruturaj turned the bowlers, he was just going for the kill and that’s what you expect from your Captain, as a Captain you have to put pressure on the batting team, Ruturaj made sure he didn’t go too deep and that’s exactly what he did.

On the impact of Akeal Hosein:

“Akeal Hosein is bowling really well. Earlier, when he was not in the playing XI, CSK’s bowling was not up to the mark. But when he came into the team, he started to control the spot in the Powerplay where CSK struggled and conceded a lot of runs. We know what he is capable of. What he has done for different teams over the years in the Powerplays and here in the IPL he has made his impact felt on the opposition players. He just comes and bowls good lengths and good lines. He was unlucky against KKR because he had two or three runs in his bowling.” He might have got a wicket, but he bowled brilliantly.

Speaking on Star Sports’ ‘Amul Cricket Live’, JioStar expert Mitchell McClenaghan praised Noor Ahmad’s magic:

“The best thing I like about Noor Ahmad is that when he takes one wicket, he always seems to take two or more. He never settles for just one wicket. He always tries to do better and puts the opposition batsmen in trouble. He came around the wicket and played an unpickable leg-spin delivery to Cameron Green. The way the ball hit the wicket showed the class of Noor Ahmad. It was a very good delivery. Then against Rinku Singh, Noor did not give him any space or width. It was very frustrating for Rinku, he took a rash shot and looked to be out when Noor Ahmad got on top, he really looked like he messed up against KKR this time.

On how Anshul Kamboj nails yorkers:

“Anshul Kamboj’s brilliant bowling display showed why he is rated so highly by CSK. I loved the skills he showed at the death, pinning yorkers from behind the wicket. His performance was spot on. High humidity and dew in the outfield in Chennai makes life difficult for the bowlers. It becomes very difficult to nail yorkers in these conditions. But Kamboj was unaffected by the dew. He bowled with great accuracy and took two of them. Wickets as a reward. If you want to perform like this in every match If it continues, CSK will fancy their chances of qualifying for the play-offs.”

In today’s Rivalry Week match between RCB and LSG:

“LSG have a balanced batting unit. Their openers, middle order and lower middle order are all contributing. But they are up against defending champions who are feeling confident after their win against MI. So LSG will have to work hard to win this match. Their bowling attack looks good, especially Mohammed Shami and Prince Yadav. But Bangalore is a different challenge. The pitch is flat and the boundaries are short. It will be a real test for the bowlers. LSG need it. Mitchell Marsh will fire because his powerful knock at the top will play early in the game.” He could lead away from RCB Nicholas Pooran has also had a poor start to the season and the small pitch in Bangalore should actually suit Pooran’s game. He is the key batsman I would like to see him come back and express himself.