Sanjay Bangar suggests key change in CSK bowling forward of IPL 2026 match vs DC

Former India all-rounder Sanjay Bangar reckons that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) must bring left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein back in the side for the IPL 2026 clash against Delhi Capitals (DC). According to Bangar, CSK’s bowling looks a lot more potent with Akeal in the mix.

CSK will face DC in match number 48 of IPL 2026 at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Tuesday, May 5. The Super Kings picked Prashant Veer in place of Akeal for their previous match against Mumbai Indians (MI).

During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo Timeout, Bangar backed Akeal‘s return for CSK’s crucial clash against DC. He commented:

“Whenever he plays, it just seems that the CSK’s bowling mix is about right. Anshul [Kamboj] and Akeal can bowl two overs each and then they can manage the remaining two overs between Mukesh [Choudhury] and some other option. [Jamie] Overton is now being considered a middle over specialist. So that takes care of the middle overs with Noor [Ahmad].

“I would want to see Akeal in the mix against DC because they have KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka at the top, potentially to open the innings,” Bangar added.

In four matches in IPL 2026, Akeal has claimed six wickets at an average of 18.16 and an economy rate of 7.97, with a best of 4-17.

“I like how he’s redesigned himself” – Veda Krishnamurthy on CSK pacer

Among CSK’s bowlers, right-arm pacer Kamboj has stood out. He has constantly been among the wickets and has been reasonably economical as well. Sharing her thoughts on Kamboj, former India Women batter Veda Krishnamurthy praised the bowler for working hard on developing his T20 skills. She said:

“There was a lot of talk around Anshul Kamboj a couple of years ago when he picked up 8 or 10 wickets for Haryana. I might be wrong with the numbers, but I know that he picked up a lot of wickets in Ranji Trophy when he got picked for CSK.

“I like how he’s redesigned himself as a white-ball specialist, especially in T20 cricket. He’s not express pace. So, the angles are very important. Coming around the stumps when it requires with the new ball, the lengths that he’s hitting is very impressive,” Veda concluded.

Kamboj is currently the joint-leading wicket-taker in IPL 2026. In nine innings, he has claimed 17 wickets at an average of 15.82 and an economy rate of 8.49.