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CSK's Gaikwad Battles Batting Slump Despite Team's IPL Resurgence

Despite the Chennai Super Kings returning to winning ways with two consecutive victories, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is mired in a significant batting slump, managing only 63 runs in five innings this season. Gaikwad acknowledges that the pressure and poor form began to affect his mindset while at the crease. However, following the recent win, he feels more relaxed and confident that a major individual performance is imminent. His proven track record as CSK's premier opener suggests he has the ability to turn his form around.

Key Points: Ruturaj Gaikwad's Batting Struggles Amid CSK's IPL Wins

  • Gaikwad has 63 runs in 5 IPL 2026 innings
  • CSK has won two straight after three losses
  • Captain admits pressure affected his mindset
  • He scored an ODI century for India vs SA recently
  • Gaikwad is CSK's established premier opener
3 min read

IPL: CSK back on winning ways, skipper Gaikwad still struggling for big score

CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad admits pressure is affecting him despite team's two straight wins. He remains confident a big score is near.

"I felt it was getting into my head even when I was batting... I'm feeling really good... a big knock is just around the corner. - Ruturaj Gaikwad"

Chennai, April 15

Despite Chennai Super Kings' recent return to winning ways after two straight wins in the Indian Premier League 2026, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad is enduring a worrying lean patch with the bat, raising concerns for the five-time champions.

Gaikwad has endured a difficult start to the IPL 2026 season, managing just 63 runs in five innings at an average of 12.60 and a strike rate of 105.0, with scores of 6, 28, 7, 15 and 7, indicating that he is still searching for rhythm at the top of the order.

Last year, Gaikwad endured a truncated Indian Premier League 2025 campaign due to an elbow injury, managing 122 runs from five matches, including a top score of 63 at a strike rate of 150.62, before being ruled out early, which saw MS Dhoni step in to take over the captaincy.

At the previous Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Gaikwad featured in just one game for the Maharashtra cricket team before earning a call-up to India's ODI squad for the home series against South Africa, where he struck a composed 105 in the second ODI despite the team ending up on the losing side.

He has since been active in List A and first-class cricket for Maharashtra, but entered the Indian Premier League 2026 without much recent exposure to representative T20 cricket.

However, Gaikwad has firmly established himself as the franchise's premier opener and captain. Since his debut in 2020, the stylish right-hander has consistently delivered, amassing 2565 runs in 76 matches at an average of 38.28 and a strike rate of 136.43, including 2 centuries and 20 fifties.

After a horror start to the 2026 IPL, CSK are back on a winning track with two back-to-back wins, after three straight defeats, climbing to eighth spot in the points table.

After his side's 32-run victory over KKR on Tuesday, Gaikwad admitted that pressure and poor form had started affecting his mindset while batting, but the recent match helped him feel calmer and more confident again, and he remains positive that a big individual score is coming soon.

"I think, good to be on the winning side after a long time. I felt it was getting into my head even when I was batting, but after the last game, I felt a bit relaxed. I'm feeling really good. Just make sure that you do whatever the team needs, whatever the situation needs. And I feel even mentally, really good, feeling positive, and a big knock is just around the corner," Gaikwad said after the match on Tuesday.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
It's a bit worrying, honestly. As captain and opener, he sets the tone. An average of 12.6 after 5 games is not what you expect from a player of his calibre. Hope he finds form soon, CSK needs him firing at the top.
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Rohit P
Captaincy pressure is real, especially after taking over from a legend like Dhoni. Maybe they should let him bat without the captain's armband for a couple of games? Just a thought. The team's comeback is more important.
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Priya S
He scored a century against SA in ODIs just a few months back! The talent is clearly there. IPL is a different beast with immense pressure. Glad the team is supporting him. A big score is coming, I can feel it! 💛
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Aman W
The article mentions he came into IPL without recent T20 practice. That's a key point! Our domestic calendar can be hectic. He's a rhythm player. Two wins on the trot will ease the pressure. Have faith in Thala's successor.
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Nisha Z
As a CSK fan, I'm more happy that we are winning matches. Individual form fluctuates. The management knows how to handle players. Remember how they backed Rayudu and Jadeja in tough times? Ruturaj will come good.

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