After three consecutive defeats in the ongoing IPL 2026, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) may have found the winning formula by winning back-to-back games against Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), but the form of their captain Ruturaj Gaikwad remains a big headache for them.
Ruturaj Gaikwad is going through a tough time with the bat in the ongoing IPL 2026, and it is clearly visible in his numbers. The Chennai Super Kings captain has so far scored only 63 runs in 5 matches at a very low average of 12 and a strike rate above 100.
CSK is back on track, but Ruturaj Gaikwad’s form is still a matter of major concern
Opening the batting in T20 requires fearless determination and Gaikwad looks a little too cautious and unable to play attacking cricket; As a result, CSK managed to cross the 200-run mark in only one game, and that too thanks to Sanju Samson’s century against Delhi Capitals at Chepauk.
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He also failed to perform well against KKR. Gaikwad tried to attack initially but lost his wicket after scoring only 7 runs in 6 balls. But young batsman Ayush Mhatre looked more confident, aggressive and showed more intent. Spin bowling has been a major problem for the Chennai Super Kings captain this season.
The Maharashtra batsman has already been out to spinners thrice in the powerplay and now teams are using this weakness against him in the ongoing IPL 2026. There is also pressure of captaincy on him. It seems that the extra responsibility is affecting Gaikwad’s natural batting style.
Irfan Pathan suggests new role for Ruturaj Gaikwad
Reacting to his decline, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has pointed out that Gaikwad’s current approach looks more suited to a middle-order position, where he can control the innings without pressure.
Commentators have openly said that opening the batting in the modern T20 game requires fearless intent, and this is where the Chennai Super Kings captain is struggling right now.
“Ruturaj Gaikwad’s batting approach definitely needs attention. If one considers his approach in the last match, he faced 17 balls and his control percentage was excellent. It means he did not take too many risks and was not looking to play too aggressively,” Pathan said in a video on his YouTube channel.
He did not want to lose his wicket. Then play at number three only. If he wants to continue this approach, he should bat at No. 3. But if he wants to open, like Ruturaj Gaikwad, his approach will have to change.
Sadagoppan Ramesh urges Ruturaj Gaikwad to ‘think like a batsman’ to overcome tough times
Meanwhile, former Indian batsman Sadagoppan Ramesh believes that Gaikwad needs to clear his mind and said that the CSK skipper should not mix the pressure of captaincy with batting. He suggested that when the right-handed batsman comes to open for CSK, he should think like a pure batsman.
“Right now, there are a lot of things going on in his mind. It is important that when he comes out to bat, he comes in as just a batsman. However, most captains cannot do that. When you carry the captain’s tag with you while batting, a lot of things go on in your mind,” Ramesh said on his YouTube channel.
He said, “As a captain, he should talk to himself and ask himself to bat openly. If he also joins Sanju, then it is one of the best pairs in the IPL.”
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