Jamie Overton was not supposed to be central to Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2026 campaign. Nathan Ellis’ injury changed that.

Two months later, the English all-rounder has become one of CSK’s most decisive players, delivering again in Sunday’s win over Lucknow Super Giants with a three-wicket haul.

Overton — who was introduced in the eighth over — did not take long to make an impact as he immediately removed LSG’s best batter of the day, Josh Inglis, and Rishabh Pant in his second over.

The Englishman struck once further, removing Akshat Raghuwanshi at the back end of the innings to help restrict LSG to 203, a target that was overhauled by CSK as it continued its push for the Playoffs.

Overton’s spell yesterday might have been overshadowed by Urvil Patel’s breathtaking half-century, but it once again showed how the Englishman has become an indispensable part of the CSK line-up this season.

It has not been the most straightforward season for the five-time champion. A long list of injuries to key players had left gaping holes in crucial roles but Overton, with his three-dimensional skill set has ensured that the balance of the team has not been affected.

And it’s his bowling that has stood out the most.

The all-rounder has hit the deck hard, focusing on the hard line and length, a strategy that has been deployed by fast bowlers across teams this season to take wickets and has worked. Combined with his rapid pace (Overton has clocked over 150kph multiple times this season), it has made for a deadly combination.

CSK has used him in the middle overs this year, the phase he operates best in, and he has flourished.

Overton has picked up 10 wickets in the middle overs phase at an economy rate of 7.61. Only Rashid Khan (13) and CSK teammate Noor Ahmad (12) have taken more wickets than him in the middle overs this season.

From being one of CSK’s weak points last year, the middle overs have become a phase where CSK has exerted control this season, as was the case against LSG as well.

ALSO READ: From small-town cricket to stardom, Akshat Raghuwanshi’s aggressive batsmanship could possibly take IPL by storm

On the batting front, Overton has compensated for the absence of MS Dhoni, playing the finisher role with a series of quickfire cameos whenever his team has needed it.

It was for his all-round skills that has been in full display this season that Overton was bought by CSK in the 2025 auction.

But the Englishman had a rough start to his IPL career. The 32-year-old played only three games for CSK in 2025 and was made to bowl in the Powerplay, a role he was unfamiliar with, and poor returns in both those games meant he lost his place in the side.

But this year, the all-rounder made an impression in his very first game.

CSK was in all sorts of trouble in its opening game against Rajasthan Royals but Overton’s rescue act with the bat helped the Super Kings avoid a collapse and finish with a respectable total of 127 in its 20 overs.

While his efforts did not prove to be anywhere near enough to prevent a big defeat, the character that he displayed in his 43-run knock in difficult conditions against a firing Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger on a wicket that did not assist the batters, showed the team management that he means business.

A confused strategy with the Impact Player rule against Punjab Kings saw him miss the second match of the season, but his exploits against Delhi Capitals in CSK’s fourth game of the season marked his breakthrough moment.

Defending a par total of 212 on a batting-friendly Chepauk wicket, the Englishman came clutch again, taking a four-wicket haul to help get CSK’s campaign underway.

And from being a backup option two months ago, Overton has cemented his place in the team. And he’s loving every moment of it.

“CSK is a phenomenal place to play for. Chennai is a great franchise to be involved with. It’s a real family vibe. The Chepauk fans and the support I’ve felt has been unreal too,” Overton said after CSK’s match against LSG.

Published on May 11, 2026