Ruturaj Gaikwad Our Indian Premier League Going through the most difficult phase of his career in the 2026 season. Chennai Super Kings The captain has not crossed the 30-run mark in any of his first six matches, which clearly highlights his decline in form. As of April 20, 2026, Gaikwad has scored only 82 runs, at an average of 13.67, and a strike rate hovering around 112—figures that are well below expectations for a top-order batsman of his stature.
Known for his beautiful stroke play and ability to handle innings, Gaikwad’s current difficulties have left fans and experts confused. His usual fluency at the crease seems to be missing, and his innings lack confidence and intent. In a format where pace is everything, their inability to provide solid starts is becoming a matter of concern for Chennai Super Kings.
Ravichandran Ashwin cited the reason for Ruturaj Gaikwad’s poor form.
senior off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has offered a nuanced view of Gaikwad’s ongoing difficulties, which he has largely linked to mental pressure. Talking about the CSK captain’s recent performances, Ashwin suggested that Gaikwad seems to be struggling with a “busy mind”, which is affecting his decision-making ability at the crease.
Ashwin also pointed out that Gaikwad had the perfect opportunity to get his form back in the recent match when his opening partner got off to a fast start. The scoreboard was rising rapidly in the powerplay, so there was no immediate pressure on Gaikwad to play fast. Instead, he could take time, settle down, and rebuild his confidence.
“This was the best opportunity for him to score runs. He did not need to take risks or score runs at a fast pace because of the way Ayush Mhatre started. He was moving quickly in the powerplay. This was the perfect opportunity for Ruturaj to take his time, score runs and get back into form,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
However, things did not go as expected. After his partner’s early dismissal, Gaikwad was out to a ball that Ashwin felt was good but not unplayable. The veteran spinner insisted that such dismissals are often due to lack of clarity and not technical faults.
Ashwin’s analysis suggests that the problem is less about skill and more about mindset. A player under pressure often overthinks, leading to hesitation and poor shot selection. For Gaikwad, this mental burden appears to be preventing him from playing his natural game—something that once made him one of the most reliable batsmen in the league.
“After the wicket of Ayush Mhatre, Ruturaj got a very good ball; it is not easy to beat him at pull. I just think he is under immense pressure, and his mind seems to be a bit busy,” He added.
Why Gaikwad’s difficulties are a 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 attempt to make the most of the powerplay, often targeting scores of 60–70 or more in the first six overs. However, with Gaikwad’s strike rate being between 105-112, CSK’s start has been slow.
His inability to rotate the strike effectively—evident from the high dot-ball percentage—is putting additional pressure on his batting partners. This often forces the other opener to take unnecessary risks, leading to the fall of wickets at crucial stages. As a result, CSK often fell behind early in the innings.
Additionally, Gaikwad’s early dismissal has left the middle order exposed to facing 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 not secure in the points table. If Gaikwad’s form does not improve soon, the team risks being left behind in the playoff race. In a tournament where momentum can define a season, CSK cannot allow their captain to be out of form for long.
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