“Why didn’t he open last year then?” – Sadagoppan Ramesh’s brutal remark on CSK star amid IPL 2026

Former Indian opener Sadagoppan Ramesh questioned Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad’s rationale behind opening the batting in the ongoing IPL 2026 season. The 29-year-old has opened with Sanju Samson in all three CSK games thus far this season.

Gaikwad openly pointed to CSK’s past successes, which have hinged on a solid opening stand, as the reason behind his opening partnership with Samson. Yet, the CSK skipper batted at No.3 in the five games he played last season before injury ruled him out of the tournament.

Talking about Ruturaj Gaikwad’s contradictory actions and overall captaincy on his Instagram handle, Ramesh said:

“He has captained CSK in over 20 matches. But he still looks confused in certain situations. Before the PBKS game, he said he would open with Sanju because CSK’s success has always been built on the opening partnership. While that’s true, why didn’t he open last year then? He and Conway were a successful opening pair, and CSK were struggling at the top last season. Everyone was pleading with Ruturaj to open last season, but he still never did it.

Batting at one-drop, Gaikwad struggled last season, averaging under 25 in five innings as CSK suffered losses in four of the matches.

“If that’s the case, why was Prashant Veer not given a single over?” – Sadagoppan Ramesh

Sadagoppan Ramesh further questioned Ruturaj Gaikwad’s lack of usage of left-arm spinner Prashant Veer in CSK’s last two outings. Despite the side conceding over 200 to the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the CSK skipper did not bowl the young uncapped spinner at all.

“When asked why they brought Rahul Chahar as the Impact Sub, he said the wicket was favouring spinners. If that’s the case, why was Prashant Veer not given a single over? Even in the RCB match, seemingly everyone bowled, and yet, with RCB scoring 250/3, with runs flowing and wickets not falling, a youngster who’s an all-rounder wasn’t given the ball,” said Ramesh (via the aforementioned source).

He added:

“Give him at least six deliveries. Even if he goes for three to four sixes, how he performs can be seen only if you give him an opportunity. It is also possible that he may have taken a wicket. Only if a captain thinks positively will a player believe in himself.”

CSK signed Prashant Veer for ₹14.20 crores in the 2026 auction, a surprise to most fans and experts.