Ruturaj Gaikwad He is going through one of the most difficult stages of his life Indian Premier League Career in the 2026 season. The Chennai Super Kings the skipper failed to cross the 30-run mark in any of his first six outings, a statistic that clearly highlights his dip in form. As of 20 April 2026, Gaikwad has scored just 82 runs at an average of 13.67, with a strike rate hovering around 112 – figures well below expectations for a top-order batter of his calibre.
Known for his refined strokeplay and ability to anchor shots, Gaikwad’s current struggles have baffled fans and pundits alike. His usual fluency at the crease seems lacking and his batting lacked both conviction and intent. In a format where urgency is everything, his inability to provide solid starts is becoming more and more of a concern for Chennai Super Kings.
Ravichandran Ashwin explains the reason behind Ruturaj Gaikwad’s lean patch
Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin It offered an insightful perspective on Gaikwad’s ongoing struggles, attributing them largely to mental pressure. Talking about the CSK skipper’s recent performances, Ashwin suggested that Gaikwad was struggling with a “distracted mind” which was affecting his decision-making.
Ashwin pointed out that Gaikwad got the perfect opportunity to regain his form in the last match where his opening partner provided a quick start. With the scoreboard moving quickly on the power play, there was no immediate pressure on Gaikwa to step up. Instead, he could take his time, settle in and regain his confidence.
“It was his best chance to run. The way Ayush Mhatre started he didn’t need to take any risks or score quickly. They were running with the powerplay. It was there for Ruturaj to take some time, score a few runs and get back into form.” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
But things did not go as expected. After his partner’s early dismissal, Gaikwad fell to a good but unplayable delivery to Ashwin. The veteran spinner stressed that such dismissals often stem from a lack of clarity rather than technical flaws.
Ashwin’s analysis suggests that it’s less about skill and more about mindset. A player under pressure tends to overthink, which leads to hesitation and poor shot selection. For Gaikwad, this mental burden prevents him from playing his natural game – something that once made him one of the most reliable batsmen in the league.
“After Ayush Mhatre’s wicket, Ruturaj had a really good possession; it’s not easy to beat him in the stretch. I just feel he’s under a lot of pressure and his mind seems a bit off.” he added.
Also READ: 3 possible replacements for Khaleel Ahmed in the CSK squad for the rest of IPL 2026
Why is Gaikwad’s struggle a major concern for CSK?
Gaikwad’s poor form is not just an individual concern – it has a significant impact on Chennai Super Kings’ overall campaign. In modern T20 cricket, teams aim to maximize their power play, often aiming for scores close to 60-70 or higher in the first six overs. However, Gaikwad’s strike rate of 105-112 slowed CSK’s start.
His inability to rotate the shot effectively – evident from his high dot-ball percentage – put added pressure on his batting partners. This often forces the other key to take unnecessary risks and opens doors at crucial stages. As a result, CSK often find themselves on the back foot at the start of the innings.
Moreover, Gaikwad’s early dismissal exposed the middle order to the new ball, reducing the effectiveness of power hitters like Shivam Dube. The team’s batting structure, which rests on a stable top-class foundation, is currently struggling to find balance.
Chennai Super Kings’ position in the points table is not secure as they have lost four of their first six matches. If Gaikwad’s form does not improve soon, the team risks falling behind in the playoff race. In a tournament that could define an urgent season, CSK cannot afford to be out of touch for long.
Also READ: Irfan Pathan explains why CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad should change his batting position in IPL 2026
