Virender Sehwag made strong comment on Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy, ahead of the important match between CSK and SRH. Read
The race for the IPL 2026 playoffs is now at its peak, but Chennai Super Kings (CSK) find themselves in a difficult situation. After a crushing seven-wicket defeat against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on May 15, the defending champions are under intense scrutiny. However, the focus has shifted to recently appointed captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag strongly criticized Gaikwad’s tactical decisions which came at a crucial stage of the match.
While defending a competitive target of 187 runs, Chennai’s bowling unit was completely demolished by LSG’s Australian opening pair, Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis. The pair took full advantage of the powerplay, showering Lucknow with fours and scoring 86 runs in just six overs. Gaikwad’s reliance on fast bowling failed miserably, leading cricket experts and fans to question CSK’s strategic depth.
Virender Sehwag makes accurate assessment of Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy before the important match between CSK and SRH
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Virender Sehwag expressed his complete surprise at CSK’s rigid strategic approach. Chennai decided to introduce home fast bowler Gurjapneet Singh as an impact player at the start of the second innings, rather than adapt to the live dynamics of the game. Sehwag argued that when playing two top-class Australian batsmen who face fast bowling well, using early spin would have been a clearly counterproductive strategy.
“When two Australian batsmen were playing together who play fast bowling well, you could have started with the spin, right? I don’t understand why you already decided that we will bring Gurjapneet?Sehwag said.
The validity of Sehwag’s criticism became clear immediately after the powerplay. Left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad was eventually introduced in the seventh over, immediately stemming the run flow and finishing with highly economical figures of 21 for 0 from his four overs. Sehwag also pointed out that if a strategic inclusion like Ahmad, or Caribbean spinner Akeal Hosein, had bowled during field restrictions, it could have broken LSG’s momentum. Even if it meant risking fours, buying wickets against a weak LSG middle-order was a gamble worth taking.
Can Gaikwad make a comeback against SRH?
This tactical mistake has increased the pressure on Gaikwad ahead of Chennai’s crucial upcoming clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Transitioning into a leadership role in the shadow of MS Dhoni’s legacy is no small task, and Gaikwad’s decision-making ability will define CSK’s season.
Currently sitting on 12 points from 12 matches, Chennai’s playoff fate lies entirely in their own hands. However, there is no margin for error. Gaikwad will need to demonstrate flexibility and instinctive leadership as they prepare to face a dangerous SRH lineup. If CSK are to secure a top-four finish, the young skipper will have to break the predictable pattern, learn from Sehwag’s tough but genuine criticism, and prove that he can take the Yellow Army through the storm.
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