IPL 2026: Gaikwad's lean run casts a shadow as CSK aim to maintain winning momentum
Chennai, April 14
Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad is enduring a difficult phase with the bat in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026, with his prolonged lean run emerging as a growing concern for the five-time champions despite their recent return to winning ways.
Gaikwad's performance continued to struggle in Tuesday's match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he scored only seven runs before getting out to a mistimed slog-sweep in the third over off Anukul Roy. This dismissal highlighted a concerning ongoing trend for him, as he has yet to score a half-century in this season, let alone reach 30 runs in an innings. In five innings, he has only accumulated 63 runs, with scores of 6, 28, 7, 15, and 7, which shows he is still searching for his rhythm at the top.
Although CSK ended a three-match losing streak with their victory over Delhi Capitals on Friday, Gaikwad's performance continues to be a significant concern for the team management. Beyond the statistics, the way he played his innings has attracted notice, especially his difficulty in rotating the strike and keeping the pace during the Power-play.
Since the beginning of 2025, Gaikwad's dot-ball percentage in T20 cricket has increased to nearly 38.4, highlighting a period during which he has struggled to maintain the scoreboard. During this time, he has averaged only around 18.40, with just two half-centuries.
Injuries have also played a part in disrupting his rhythm. Gaikwad featured in just five matches during IPL 2025 before being ruled out, with MS Dhoni stepping back into the captaincy role. Although he showed glimpses of form during that brief stint, his lack of consistent T20 exposure leading into this season appears to have impacted his fluency.
The CSK captain did register a notable performance in the 50-over format, scoring a century against South Africa in an ODI recently, but the transition back to the demands of T20 cricket has not been seamless.
Despite the current slump, Gaikwad's overall IPL record remains strong. Since joining CSK in 2020, he has amassed over 2,500 runs in 75 matches, including two centuries and multiple 400-plus seasons. However, his strike rate has often hovered below the elite bracket, crossing 150 in a season only once, a campaign cut short by injury.
For CSK, the immediate challenge lies in rediscovering the version of Gaikwad who can anchor the innings while maintaining scoring momentum. With the tournament entering a crucial phase, the onus will be on their captain to strike a balance between stability and intent and find ways to make a quicker impact at the top of the order.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The stats are worrying, but form is temporary. He scored that ODI century recently, so the talent is there. The problem is the T20 mindset. He's playing too many dots in the powerplay. CSK needs quick starts, not anchors anymore.
Honestly, I think we're being too harsh. The man came back from injury, missed a whole season practically. Give him time! It's a long tournament. Whistle Podu! 🦁
Watching from the UK. His technique still looks solid, but the intent is missing. In modern T20, especially at the top, you can't have a strike rate hovering in the 130s. He needs to take more risks early on.
This is where CSK's management needs to step in. Maybe a break? Let someone else open and let Ruturaj bat at 3 with less pressure. We can't afford a slow start every match. The middle order is doing the heavy lifting.
Respectfully, I disagree with just waiting it out. He's the captain and opener. His role is critical. 38% dot balls is unacceptable at this level. He needs to find a way, and fast. The team's success depends on it. Hope he turns it around soon!
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