table of contents
Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has come under massive scrutiny after yet another disappointing performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
After Chennai Super Kings’ disappointing five-wicket defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Monday, head coach Stephen Fleming openly admitted that Ruturaj Gaikwad has not produced the batting performance expected by the franchise in IPL 2026.
Also Read: MS Dhoni to make final Chepauk appearance in 2026 as IPL retirement talks in full swing
‘I think Ruturaj Gaikwad can do more’ – Stephen Fleming
Stephen Fleming did not shy away from questioning Gaikwad’s batting standards in IPL 2026 and said that the CSK captain himself would know that his performance has not been that good.
“I think Ruturaj can do more. He has done more in the past. He has been a good player at the top. He has not produced the number of runs and the pace of runs [this season] Which he has done in his career. And it’s something he will address,” Stephen Fleming said in the post-match press conference.
Ruturaj Gaikwad has struggled to give Chennai Super Kings the dominant start expected from their captain in IPL 2026. In 13 matches, the opening batsman has scored 321 runs at an average of 29.18 and a strike-rate of 120.68, which is extremely poor considering the standards he has set for himself.
Stephen Fleming talks openly about Ruturaj Gaikwad replacing MS Dhoni
Despite criticism over Ruturaj Gaikwad’s batting form, Stephen Fleming made it clear that Chennai Super Kings still fully support their captain.
He said that Gaikwad is very much liked by the players and support staff of Chennai Super Kings and it will not be easy for any player to replace MS Dhoni. Stephen Fleming elaborated:
“This year, at least, he was here the whole time. Last year, he wasn’t here at all. So it would be unfair to judge. But, yes, as we’ve gotten to know this group of players, there’s been a lot of work done behind the scenes.”
“It’s a big change from being one of the best captains [MS Dhoni] To run a franchise for such a long time requires a new captain in the cricket scene. So it will take some time. But he is doing good work. He has a lot of respect for this group of players. And he’s learning all the time and putting it into practice. So moving forward, I have no doubt that he will be a good captain for this franchise.”
Performance of Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026 under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad
IPL 2026 has been a disappointing season for Chennai Super Kings under the leadership of Gaikwad. The five-time champions are currently placed sixth in the points table with 12 points from 13 matches.
Chennai Super Kings started the season with losses against Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore, but bounced back strongly with wins over Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians.
They also registered a hat-trick of wins over MI, DC and LSG, but their defeat in the reverse match against the Rishabh Pant-led side, followed by a defeat against SRH, has dented their chances of making the IPL 2026 playoffs.