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Ruturaj Gaikwad<\/strong><\/a> is going through one of the toughest phases of his Indian Premier League<\/strong> career in the 2026 season. The Chennai Super Kings<\/strong> skipper has failed to cross the 30-run mark in any of his first six outings, a statistic that starkly highlights his dip in form. As of April 20, 2026, Gaikwad has accumulated just 82 runs at an average of 13.67, with a strike rate hovering around 112\u2014figures that fall well below expectations for a top-order batter of his caliber.<\/p>\n Known for his elegant stroke play and ability to anchor innings, Gaikwad\u2019s current struggles have left fans and experts puzzled. His usual fluency at the crease appears missing, and his innings have lacked both confidence and intent. In a format where momentum is everything, his inability to provide solid starts is increasingly becoming a concern for Chennai Super Kings.<\/p>\n Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin<\/strong><\/a> has offered an insightful perspective on Gaikwad\u2019s ongoing struggles, attributing them largely to mental pressure. Speaking about the CSK captain\u2019s recent performances, Ashwin suggested that Gaikwad seems to be battling a \u201ccluttered mind,\u201d which is affecting his decision-making at the crease.<\/p>\n Ashwin pointed out that Gaikwad had the perfect opportunity to regain form during a recent match when his opening partner provided a brisk start. With the scoreboard moving quickly in the powerplay, there was no immediate pressure on Gaikwad to accelerate. Instead, he could have taken his time, settled in, and rebuilt his confidence.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was the best chance for him to score runs. He didn\u2019t need to take risks or score at a fast pace because of the way Ayush Mhatre started. They were running away with the powerplay. It was right there for Ruturaj to take some time, score some runs, and come back into form,\u201d<\/em> Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.<\/p>\n However, things didn\u2019t unfold as expected. Following the early dismissal of his partner, Gaikwad fell to a delivery that, according to Ashwin, was good but not unplayable. The veteran spinner emphasized that such dismissals often stem from a lack of clarity rather than technical flaws.<\/p>\n Ashwin\u2019s analysis suggests that the issue is less about skill and more about mindset. A player under pressure tends to overthink, leading to hesitation and poor shot selection. For Gaikwad, this mental burden appears to be preventing him from playing his natural game\u2014something that once made him one of the most reliable batters in the league.<\/p>\n \u201cAfter Ayush Mhatre\u2019s wicket, Ruturaj got a very good ball; it\u2019s not easy to beat him on the pull. I just feel he is under immense pressure, and his mind appears to be a bit cluttered,\u201d<\/em> he added.<\/p>\n Also READ: 3 possible replacements of Khaleel Ahmed in CSK squad for the remainder of IPL 2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Gaikwad\u2019s poor run of form is not just an individual concern\u2014it is significantly impacting Chennai Super Kings\u2019 overall campaign. In modern T20 cricket, teams aim to maximize the powerplay, often targeting scores close to 60\u201370 or even higher in the first six overs. However, Gaikwad\u2019s strike rate in the range of 105\u2013112 has slowed down CSK\u2019s starts.<\/p>\n His inability to rotate strike effectively\u2014evident from a high dot-ball percentage\u2014has put additional pressure on his batting partners. This often forces the other opener to take unnecessary risks, leading to wickets at crucial stages. As a result, CSK frequently finds itself on the back foot early in the innings.<\/p>\n Moreover, Gaikwad\u2019s early dismissals have exposed the middle order to the new ball, reducing the effectiveness of power-hitters like Shivam Dube. The team\u2019s batting structure, which relies on a steady top-order foundation, is currently struggling to find balance.<\/p>\n With Chennai Super Kings losing four of their first six matches, their position in the points table is far from secure. If Gaikwad\u2019s form doesn\u2019t improve soon, the team risks falling behind in the playoff race. In a tournament where momentum can define a season, CSK cannot afford their captain to remain out of touch for long.<\/p>\nRavichandran Ashwin explains the reason behind Ruturaj Gaikwad\u2019s lean patch<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Why Gaikwad\u2019s struggles are a major concern for CSK<\/strong><\/h2>\n