Chennai Super Kings‘ the ghost runs away IPL 2026 It continued as they suffered a setback against this time Capitals of Delhi in a decisive encounter. Still looking for their first win of the season, CSK once again failed to perform under pressure, with the batting unit misfiring at key moments.
With high expectations from the captain Ruturaj Gaikwadthe focus was on him to lead from the front. However, the right-hander endured another disappointing outing, adding to CSK’s woes in what has been a forgettable campaign so far.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s poor form continues to haunt CSK
Ruturaj’s struggles with the bat remained a major talking point as he failed to convert his start into a meaningful contribution. His innings came to an abrupt end in the second ball of the 7th over, leaving CSK in dire straits.
Face to face Akhar PatelGaikwad tried to get a short delivery with a pull shot. But there was no time and control of the execution. The ball went high in the air towards deep mid-wicket Pathum Nissanka it was perfectly located. Nissanka kept his cool and finished the catch safely, resulting in what can only be described as a scrappy and unconvincing shot.
The dismissal once again highlighted Gaikwad’s ongoing struggle in IPL 2026. Despite being one of CSK’s most reliable batsmen in previous seasons, he has struggled to get going in the opening game this year. His inability to anchor shots or provide consistency at the top hurt the team significantly, especially in pressure situations.
Also READ: IPL 2026: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head lead SRH to their highest powerplay score of the season
Fans react with frustration at Ruturaj’s poor form
As soon as Gaikwad returned to the pavilion, social media platforms were flooded with reactions from disappointed fans. Many supporters did not hesitate to express their disappointment at the captain’s repeated failures with the bat. Several fans criticized Gaikwad’s approach, calling his innings “heartless” and “intentionless”, while others questioned his leadership amid the team’s ongoing decline. A section of fans even demanded a change in batting order or management to revive CSK’s campaign.
Here’s how the fans reacted:
Brilliant Test innings from Ruturaj Gaikwad 🫡
— Qwertt (@metalparkLP) April 11, 2026
What happened to Ruturaj Gaikwa 🤔
From being a prime contender for the Indian team to being completely out of form.#CSKvsDC #RuturajGaikwad
— Toxic Raya (@RockyRayaRavana) April 11, 2026
Shame on you ruturaj gaikwad. Hang up your boots most of the time
— Daaga #SackFleming (@upbeatsad) April 11, 2026
Ruturaj Gaikwad so far this season..😭 pic.twitter.com/DmLwRqPksj
— Butterscotch (@LoftedDrivee) April 11, 2026
Ruturaj Gaikwad treats the power play as a Test match warm-up
15(18) in a batting paradise, while the other teams openers are throwing rockets. Brother wastes the best round of single shots. pic.twitter.com/5J8XyCwCJk— Mufatnal Wohra (@mufatnal_wohraa) April 11, 2026
Right now ruturaj gaikwad is the weakest link in the team 🙄🙌#ipl,#dsvscsk
— shivam dube national🏏❤️ (@KendreMina58166) April 11, 2026
Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad 🤡#CSKvsDC pic.twitter.com/g6XSiemm9D
— Aditya (@adityacasm_) April 11, 2026
Ruturaj Gaikwad core #CSKvsDC pic.twitter.com/kRgCiBNO0n
— SwatKat💃 (@swatic12) April 11, 2026
Please tell Ruturaj Gaikwa that CSK is not paying him ₹18 crore just to play 18 balls. And just 15 runs at that too.#CSKvsDC #DCvsCSK pic.twitter.com/a4FZVWRRMI
— Aryan⁵⁶ (@MStark_56) April 11, 2026
Ruturaj Gaikwad is not a T20 Batter.
CSK should try Sanju-Ayush-Urvil in TOP 3.
These Support staffs need to go ASAP.#SackStephenFleming#CSK— from Abhinan (@bu5ul) April 11, 2026
What is going on with Ruturaj Gaikwad?
I am more worried about his batting than his captaincy. 🥲 pic.twitter.com/CuRtDNqwa1
— Jason (@mahixcavi7) April 11, 2026
Our first intake is Ruturaj Gaikwad pic.twitter.com/2OMP2A7HPW
— Dot Ball Academy (@Dotballschool) April 11, 2026
Chennai Super Kings will not get support at home if they continue with this Ruturaj Gaikwad #IPL2026
— MSD and PK Fan (@Kalyan_MSD_Stan) April 11, 2026
Even Virat Kohli has changed his approach to suit modern cricket.
Meanwhile, Ruturaj Gaikwad and other Chennai Super Kings still think they can survive in 2026 by playing like they did in 2016 😭
— Thefitdoc (@Siddurp2) April 11, 2026
I have never seen a bigger loser than Ruturaj Gaikwad and yes, I look in the mirror everyday
— Tiananmen Cube (@Kaifiyat_Xpress) April 11, 2026
Ruturaj Gaikwad: A new member of the Justice Squad. #CSKvsDC pic.twitter.com/aWi2pEiU3T
— Abhinav Gaurav (@abhinavgaurav_) April 11, 2026
The worst thing CSK did this season was make Ruturaj Gaikwad the captain. This captain tag has put a lot of pressure on my man who is already depressed after losing his first 3 matches and now he needs to score runs.
Being a captain in IPL is never easy.
— Rahul (blue tick) 🧖🏻♂️ (@merii_mrziii) April 11, 2026
Bc our captain Ruturaj Gaikwad wasted 3 overs in 20 overs. 🤡 #CSKvsDC
— AVNISH 🇮🇳 (@avnishh26) April 11, 2026
Ruturaj gaikwad is a burden.
Period. #ipl #csk— Local Athletes (@L0calAthletes) April 11, 2026
Ruturaj Gaikwad tuze khelna nahi ata T20 tu Test Cricket khel.🤡
— UtdXtra (@InsideUtdHQ) April 11, 2026
ruturaj gaikwad my therapist i want to talk to you🥹
— aditya (@thereadingattic) April 11, 2026
Also READ: IPL 2026: Why Vipraj Nigam and Nitish Rana not playing in today’s CSK vs DC match
