Former Indian batsman Subramaniam Badrinath has criticized Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad for his poor performance in this edition of the IPL. He has also been criticized for his unwise captaincy on several occasions.
Chennai Super Kings’ disappointing form in the IPL continued despite changes to the entire team by the management. They were back on winning ways but have lost form once again with the recent defeat. Having won only three matches this season, they are currently at seventh position in the points table.
The biggest worry for them is the captain and one of their most experienced players, Ruturaj Gaikwad, not being in good form. The bowlers also started poorly but gradually regained form in the later matches; However, chances of Gaikwad’s comeback seem slim.
“Ruturaj hasn’t done anything impressive this season.” – Subramaniam Badrinath slammed captain Ruturaj Gaikwad
Former Indian cricketer and CSK star Subramaniam Badrinath criticized CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad for his poor form and his poor batting has been a major concern. The right-handed batsman completed his first half-century in the last game, yet his innings did not help the team.
Gaikwad scored 74 runs and batted till the last ball, but what was worrying was that he faced 60 balls alone. Badrinath highlighted the fact that he scored at such a slow pace while others have scored 50 and 100 off just 15 to 30 balls.
On Gaikwad’s batting performance, Badrinath said, “Ruturaj hasn’t done anything impressive this season. He hasn’t put in a single match-winning performance. How long can we wait to regain his form? Eight matches have passed and the season is almost over.”
He said, “Ruturaj Gaikwad is in bad form. Even this innings was difficult. Other players are scoring 50 and 100 off 15 and 30 balls. But Ruturaj is batting without any intention.”
EX-CSK star claims unsuccessful opening partnership has been the biggest problem for CSK
Former CSK star Subramaniam Badrinath believes Ruturaj Gaikwad’s poor form has hurt CSK’s opening partnership, which has been one of the key attributes of their success last season. However during that time, they have had a different combination of players at the top.
“It is important to see how the openers perform as a pair and not just as individuals. 30 has been the highest opening partnership for CSK this season. The wicket cannot be blamed when the opposition has won in 16 overs on the same wicket.
Badrinath said (via the above source), “The opening partnership has been a big letdown, and Ruturaj’s form has to be seriously questioned. Samson has still done his bit with two centuries.”
Poor performance of Ruturaj Gaikwad in IPL 2026
CSK’s experienced opener Ruturaj Gaikwad has struggled for form in this edition of the IPL. Has played all the matches this season and has led single-handedly without the shadow of MS Dhoni.
In the first seven matches, they have scored 6, 28, 7, 15, 7, 19 and 22 against opponents like Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians.
Despite playing an unbeaten inning of 74 runs in the last match against Gujarat Titans, Gaikwad’s average this season has been only 26, while he has also scored runs at a strike rate of 121 this season.
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