Ruturaj Gaikwad going through his hardest time Indian Premier League Career in 2026 season. Chennai Super Kings The captain has failed to cross the 30-run mark in any of his first six matches, a figure that clearly highlights his decline in form. As of April 20, 2026, Gaikwad has scored only 82 runs at an average of 13.67, with a strike rate hovering around 112 – a figure well below expectations for a top-order batsman of his calibre.
Known for his brilliant stroke play and ability to structure innings, Gaikwad’s current struggles have left fans and experts perplexed. His usual flow at the crease seems to be missing and his innings lacks both confidence and intent. In a format where pace is everything, his inability to deliver solid starts is becoming a matter of concern for Chennai Super Kings.
Ravichandran Ashwin explained the reason for Ruturaj Gaikwad’s weakness.
experienced off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has offered an insightful perspective on Gaikwad’s ongoing struggles, largely attributing them to mental pressure. Speaking about the CSK skipper’s recent performances, Ashwin suggested that Gaikwad is struggling with a “disorganized mind”, which is affecting his decision-making at the crease.
Ashwin pointed out that Gaikwad had every opportunity to find his form during a recent match when his opening partner provided a fast start. With the scoreboard moving quickly in the powerplay, there was no immediate pressure on Gaikwad to accelerate. Instead, he could take his time, settle down and rebuild his confidence.
“This was his best opportunity to score runs. The way Ayush Mhatre started, he didn’t need to take risks or score runs at a fast pace. He was running away from the powerplay. It was here for Ruturaj to take some time, score some runs and get back into form.” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
However, things did not turn out as expected. After his partner’s early dismissal, Gaikwad faced a ball that, according to Ashwin, was good but unplayable. The veteran spinner stressed that such dismissals are often due to lack of clarity rather than technical flaws.
Ashwin’s analysis shows that the issue is less of skill and more of mentality. Under pressure, the player starts overthinking, which leads to hesitation and poor shot selection. For Gaikwad, this mental burden is preventing him from playing his natural game – something that once made him one of the most reliable batsmen in the league.
“After Ayush Mhatre’s wicket, Ruturaj got a very good ball; it is not easy to beat him at pull. I just think he is under a lot of pressure, and his mind seems to be a bit muddled,” He added.
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Why is Gaikwad’s struggle a matter of big concern for CSK?
Gaikwad’s poor form is not just a personal concern – it is having a significant impact on Chennai Super Kings’ overall campaign. In modern T20 cricket, teams aim to maximize the powerplay, often aiming for a score close to 60–70 or even higher in the first six overs. However, Gaikwad’s strike rate of 105-112 has slowed down CSK’s starts.
His inability to rotate the strike effectively – evident from his high dot-ball percentage – has put additional pressure on his batting partners. This often forces the other opener to take unnecessary risks, leading to wickets at crucial stages. As a result, CSK often find themselves on the backfoot early in the innings.
Additionally, Gaikwad’s early dismissal left the middle-order exposed to the new ball, reducing the effectiveness of power-hitters like Shivam Dubey. The team’s batting structure, which relies on the foundation of a stable top order, is currently struggling to find balance.
Chennai Super Kings have lost four of their first six matches, making their position in the points table unsafe. If Gaikwad’s form does not improve soon, there is a danger of the team falling behind in the race for the playoffs. In a tournament where momentum can define a season, CSK cannot afford to have their captain out of touch for long.
Also read: Irfan Pathan explains why CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad should change his batting position in IPL 2026
