Chennai Super Kings’ Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad Faces Ongoing Struggles in IPL 2026
Chennai Super Kings’ captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is experiencing a tough time in IPL 2026 as he recorded his fifth straight low score this season. His struggles at the top of the batting order have raised concerns, even as other players occasionally shine.
Partnering with Sanju Samson as an opener, Gaikwad has scored only 63 runs in five innings, averaging just 12.6. This has sparked discussions about his role and approach within the team.
In the match against Kolkata Knight Riders, Gaikwad missed another chance to find his rhythm. He was dismissed early while trying to execute a slog sweep off Anukul Roy on just his sixth ball.
Former cricketer Irfan Pathan observed, “Ruturaj Gaikwad’s batting style definitely needs some adjustment. In the last match, he faced 17 balls with good control but didn’t take many risks, which shows he might be playing too cautiously.”
Persistent Challenges for Gaikwad
Gaikwad’s lack of aggressive intent has placed extra pressure on his teammate, Sanju Samson. Interestingly, Samson stands out as a bright spot for CSK, scoring an impressive 115 not out off just 56 balls. In fact, CSK’s top order has managed only one fifty-plus partnership this season, reflecting their inconsistent starts.
Pathan suggested, “If he’s hesitant to take risks, maybe it would be better for him to bat at number three. If he wants to stick with opening, he’ll need to change his approach completely.”
The opening pair of CSK has struggled to create solid foundations this season, with Gaikwad’s highest score being a mere 28. While Samson seems to have found his form, Gaikwad’s ongoing difficulties have disrupted the team’s balance, especially during the powerplay when setting a strong early tone is vital.
As the tournament progresses, fans will be hoping to see improvements from Gaikwad to help restore the team’s winning momentum.
