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CSK's Ruturaj Gaikwad Admits Batting Struggles in Heavy IPL 2026 Loss to RR

Chennai Super Kings suffered a heavy eight-wicket defeat to Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2026 season opener. CSK was bundled out for just 127 runs, with RR's bowling attack proving too potent. RR chased the target in just 12.1 overs, powered by a blistering 17-ball 52 from opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad acknowledged the challenging conditions and credited the opposition's bowlers for their comprehensive win.

Key Points: CSK vs RR IPL 2026: Gaikwad on Tough Loss to Royals' Bowlers

  • RR's bowlers dominate CSK
  • Vaibhav Suryavanshi's explosive 17-ball 52
  • Jofra Archer leads attack with 2/19
  • Gaikwad cites tough conditions
  • RR wins IPL 2026 opener by 8 wickets
2 min read

"It was tough against medium pacers...": CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad after loss to Rajasthan Royals

CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad reflects on the 8-wicket defeat to RR, crediting their bowling attack led by Jofra Archer after being bundled out for 127.

"It was tough against medium pacers, spinners were getting assistance as well. - Ruturaj Gaikwad"

Guwahati, March 30

Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad credited Rajasthan Royals' bowling lineup after they laid the foundation for what was eventually an easy eight-wicket win for the Riyan Parag-led Rajasthan Royals in both teams' first match of the Indian Premier League 2026, on Monday.

RR's bowling lineup, led by Jofra Archer (2/19 in 4 overs), Nandre Burger (2/26 in 4 overs), Ravindra Jadeja (2/18 in 3 overs), along with contributions from Brijesh Sharma, Sandeep Sharma and Ravi Bishnoi, bundled CSK out for just 127 in 19.4 overs.

RR, on the other hand, took only 12.1 overs to chase the target with the help of Vaibhav Suryavanshi's 17-ball 52 knock.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Gaikwad said the conditions were challenging at the start, particularly against Jofra Archer and the medium pacers, with CSK spinners also getting help.

"Felt the conditions at the start were tough, especially against Jofra. It was tough against medium pacers, spinners were getting assistance as well," he said.

Gaikwad acknowledged a nervy start for the young team but emphasised moving on and preparing for the next game in three days.

"Maybe we could've batted deeper but you never know a good score these days so had to keep going. You just put it behind and move on. Next game in three days. Lots of youngsters in the group, nervy start but good to get a game behind," he added.

Coming to the match, Rajasthan Royals defeated Chennai Super Kings by eight wickets in the IPL 2026 season opener at Guwahati. RR's bowlers bundled them out for 127 in 19.4 overs.

In reply, Vaibhav Suryavanshi starred with a 17-ball 52, the second-fastest fifty for RR, and shared a 75-run opening stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal (38*).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Honestly, 127 is just not enough on any IPL pitch. The batting lineup collapsed. Yes, RR bowled well, but CSK's shot selection was poor. Need to bounce back strong in the next one. #WhistlePodu
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Vikram M
Vaibhav Suryavanshi! What a talent! 52 off 17 balls is insane. Future of Indian cricket is in good hands. RR's scouting is top-class. CSK will learn from this, they always do.
S
Sarah B
Respectful criticism: Ruturaj's captaincy seemed a bit reactive. The batting order could have been shuffled when the medium pacers were causing trouble. But it's a long tournament, plenty of time to adjust.
R
Rohit P
Archer and Burger were unplayable! Credit where it's due. CSK missing that experienced core in the middle. Hope Dhoni is mentoring them well from behind the scenes. The chase was a proper domination, yaar.
K
Kavya N
It's just one match, don't write off CSK! The Guwahati pitch had something for everyone. RR capitalized better. Excited to see more of this young Indian talent like Suryavanshi and Jaiswal playing together. 🇮🇳

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