R Ashwin ‘Upset’ With CSK in IPL 2026; Questions Selection Decisions

Ashwin criticised CSK’s performance and questioned key selection decisions after their defeat to SRH.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin did not hold back his frustration following Chennai Super Kings’ 10-run loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in the Indian Premier League 2026. Chasing a target of 195, CSK struggled throughout their innings and eventually fell short, marking their fourth defeat in six matches.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin expressed deep disappointment with the team’s approach and execution.

“The way Chennai played today, my heart is not beating that much for them today. I am quite upset. We will have to discuss their team selection. Everyone was saying how poor CSK’s bowling is, but CSK are alive in this tournament, just because of their bowling,” a furious Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Akeal Hosein Snub Raises Questions

Ashwin particularly highlighted CSK’s decision to leave out Akeal Hosein, suggesting it was a major tactical error. He pointed out that Hosein had previously dismissed Abhishek Sharma in a crucial T20 World Cup encounter and could have been effective against Travis Head, who has been struggling for form.

“They defended two totals in Chennai, and even today, they gave the game to the batters on a plate. I will not even consider the mistakes of the batters. I want to ask just one question. You have Travis Head, who is not in form; he is not able to get the ball onto the middle of the bat, and you have Akeal Hosein, who dismissed Abhishek Sharma in the T20 World Cup. You cannot bring in [referring to Matthew Short] someone just because he can bowl off-spin,” Ashwin said.

Matthew Short’s Role Also Criticised

Ashwin also questioned the inclusion and utilisation of Matthew Short, stating that the decision seemed overly focused on matchup-based bowling rather than overall impact. Despite a decent start, Short was taken apart later in his spell, which proved costly for CSK.

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“Fine, you picked Matt Short. I can agree with that call, and he should be praised for just giving away 13 runs in two overs. But it felt like he was brought in only for bowling against the left-handers. You cannot go into a game like this. You kept Hosein out. Short played 30 balls to score 34 runs. If he had scored 45 runs in that same time, we would have won the match,” Ashwin went into detail to make his point.

With CSK now under pressure in the league stage, Ashwin’s strong remarks reflect growing concerns over strategy and consistency within the five-time champions’ camp.