IPL 2026: The opening pair of Sanju-Gaikwad disappointed CSK fans, only 124 runs in 5 matches

By Samira Vishwas On Apr 14, 2026

CSK IPL 2026: The start of Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026 has not been as expected and a major reason for this is the continuous flop performance of the team’s opening pair. The opening pair of Sanju Samson and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad could add only 124 runs in the first five matches, due to which the team got bad starts again and again. Let’s take a look at the performance of these two.

Disappointing performance in initial matches

On March 30, in the match against Rajasthan Royals, Samson and Gaikwad made a partnership of only 14 runs. Both were out early and the entire team was reduced to 127 runs, due to which CSK had to face defeat by 8 wickets. After this, against Punjab Kings on April 3, both of them added only 14 runs. Although the team scored 209 runs, it lost the match due to lack of bowling.

Rutu 🫂 Rach 💛
—Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 14, 2026

The bat did not even work against RCB

The opening pair also failed in the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on 5 April. While chasing the target, the first wicket fell on the fifth ball itself. Samson was out after scoring 9 runs and Gaikwad after scoring 7 runs. CSK could score only 207 runs and had to face defeat by 43 runs.

POV : You see the lions heading to Anbuden! 💛🥳#WhistlePodu #CSKvKKR pic.twitter.com/ixaKAOCPdi
—Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 14, 2026

Ray of hope seen against Delhi

After three consecutive defeats, the pair provided some relief in the match against Delhi Capitals on 11 April. Samson batted brilliantly and played an unbeaten inning of 115 runs in 56 balls. He made a partnership of 62 runs with Gaikwad, due to which the team scored 212 runs and won by 23 runs. This was CSK’s first win this season.

Partnership broken again early against KKR

On 14 April, the match against Kolkata Knight Riders once again got off to a bad start. Gaikwad was out early after scoring just 7 runs, which dealt an initial blow to the team. Continuously unstable performance has raised questions on this opening pair. In such a situation, these opening batsmen are becoming a cause of trouble for Chennai Super Kings. Especially keeping the partnership in mind.

With IANS inputs