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Ashwin Worries Gaikwad's Mind is "Cluttered" Amid CSK Batting Slump

Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed concern over Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad's batting form, attributing his struggles to immense pressure and a cluttered mindset. Ashwin pointed to a recent match where Gaikwad had the perfect platform to play himself into form but failed to capitalize. Despite a blistering start from Ayush Mhatre and contributions from the middle order, CSK fell short by 10 runs chasing SRH's total of 194. The analysis highlights the psychological burden the new leadership role may be placing on the typically prolific batter.

Key Points: Ashwin on Gaikwad's Batting Woes: "Mind Appears Cluttered"

  • Gaikwad's poor run of 82 runs in 6 matches
  • Ashwin says he missed a perfect chance to settle in
  • Pressure from CSK captaincy cited as factor
  • SRH defended 194 to win by 10 runs
  • Ayush Mhatre's explosive start went in vain
2 min read

His mind appears to be a bit cluttered: Ashwin reacts to Gaikwad's batting woes

R Ashwin analyzes Ruturaj Gaikwad's poor IPL form, suggesting the CSK captain is under immense pressure with a cluttered mindset.

"I just feel he is under immense pressure, and his mind appears to be a bit cluttered. - Ravichandran Ashwin"

New Delhi, April 19

Former India off-spin veteran Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed concern over Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad's current batting form, suggesting that right-hand batter is playing under "immense pressure" and struggling with a "cluttered" mindset.

Gaikwad, who has been a prolific run-getter in domestic and franchise cricket, has recently hit a rough patch. In six matches so far, the CSK skipper has scored just 82 runs, with the highest score of 28. In Saturday's 10-run loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad, he was dismissed for 19 off 13 balls.

Analysing the 29-year-old batter's recent dismissal, Ashwin noted that the match situation provided the perfect platform for Gaikwad to settle in without the burden of the required run rate, thanks to a blistering start from his batting partner Ayush Mhatre.

"It was the best chance for him to score runs. He didn't need to take risks or score at a fast pace because of the way Ayush Mhatre started. They were running away with the Powerplay. It was right there for Ruturaj to take some time, score some runs, and come back into form,' Ashwin said on JioStar.

"After Ayush Mhatre's wicket, Ruturaj got a very good ball, it's not easy to beat him on the pull. I just feel he is under immense pressure, and his mind appears to be a bit cluttered," he added.

Batting first, SRH posted a total of 194/9. Anshul Kamboj and Jamie Overton picked up three wickets each for CSK. In reply, Mhatre led the chase for CSK with a quickfire 13-ball 30. The youngster was particularly sparkling in the third over of the run chase, as he struck a six and four boundaries off Praful Hinge.

Even though the likes of Matthew Short (34), Sarfaraz Khan (25) and Shivam Dube (21) contributed runs, CSK were restricted to 184/8.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's heartbreaking to see a player of his calibre struggle. The captaincy burden on top of batting is no joke, especially in the IPL. Maybe they should let someone else lead for a few games so he can just focus on his batting?
M
Michael C
As a neutral fan, I think the criticism is fair but early. Every great batter has a slump. The talent is undeniable. He'll be back among the runs soon.
R
Rohit P
Yaar, it's simple. He's trying to live up to the legacy of Dhoni. That's a mountain of pressure on anyone's shoulders. The team management needs to support him publicly, take some pressure off.
S
Sarah B
Respectfully, I disagree with Ashwin here. Sometimes you just get a good ball. Analysing a player's "cluttered mind" on live TV adds to the pressure. Let the coaches handle it privately.
K
Karthik V
The problem is the opening combo isn't working. Last year he had Conway to play with. Now the pressure to score quickly from ball one seems to be getting to him. CSK needs to find a stable partner for him at the top.

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