Chennai Super Kings (CSK) may have got the winning formula as they won back-to-back games against Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after their three consecutive losses in the ongoing IPL 2026, but their captain Ruturaj Gaikwad’s form remains a big headache for them.

Ruturaj Gaikwad is having a tough time with the bat in the ongoing IPL 2026, and it clearly shows in his numbers. The Chennai Super Kings captain has scored just 63 runs in 5 matches so far at a very low average of 12 and a strike rate of just over 100.

CSK back on track but Ruturaj Gaikwad’s form remains a major concern

Opening the batting in T20 requires a brave intention, and Gaikwad seems overly cautious and incapable of playing aggressive cricket; As a result, CSK managed to cross the 200-run mark in a single game, and that too thanks to Sanju Samson’s century against Delhi Capitals at Chepauk.

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He also failed to deliver against KKR. Gaikwad tried to attack early but ended up losing his wicket for just 7 runs off 6 balls. But young batsman Ayush Mhatre looked more confident, attacking and showing more determination. A major issue for the Chennai Super Kings captain has been his bowling this season.

The Maharashtra batsman has already been offside three times in the powerplay, and now teams are using this weakness against him in the ongoing IPL 2026. There is also captaincy pressure on him. It seems the added responsibility is taking a toll on Gaikwad’s natural batting style.

Irfan Pathan suggests new role for Ruturaj Gaikwad

Reacting to his poor run of form, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has pointed out that Gaikwad’s current approach seems more suited to a middle-order position, where he can control the innings without pressure.

The commentator has openly said that opening the batting in the modern T20 game needs a brave intention, and that is where the Chennai Super Kings captain is struggling at the moment.

Pathan said in a video on his YouTube channel: “Ruturaj Gaikwad’s batting approach definitely needs attention. Considering his approach in the last match, he faced 17 balls and his control percentage was excellent. It means he did not take many risks and was not looking to play too aggressively.

He didn’t want to lose his wicket. Then just play at number three. If he wants to continue with this approach, he should bat at number 3. But if he wants to open, then like Ruturaj Gaikwad, his approach will have to change.”

Sadagoppan Ramesh urges Ruturaj Gaikwad to ‘think like a batsman’ to overcome tough phase

Meanwhile, former Indian batsman Sadagoppan Ramesh believes Gaikwad needs to clear his head and said the CSK captain should not mix the pressure of captaincy with batting. He suggested that the right-handed batsman should think like a pure batsman when opening for CSK.

Ramesh on his YouTube channel: “Right now, too many things are going through your mind. It is important that you come in only as a batsman when you come out to bat. However, most captains cannot do that. When you carry the tag of captain while batting, too many things go through your head.”

He added: “He should talk to himself as a captain and ask himself to bat freely. If he also combines with Sanju, it will be one of the best pairings in the IPL.”

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