Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are going through a challenging phase in the IPL 2026 season. After posting a couple of wins in a row, CSK lost by 10 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 18 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is one of the main reasons for CSK’s poor form this season. The experienced top-order batsman has managed just 82 runs in six matches at an average of 13.66, with a strike rate of 112.33.
Ruturaj Gaikwad got a brilliant opportunity to showcase his batting antics.
CSK legend and former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin explained that Ruturaj Gaikwad got a golden opportunity to showcase his batting skills against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Gaikwad departed after scoring 19 runs off 13 balls. He managed only three 4s in the 13-ball innings.
Batting first, with half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen, SRH secured a total of 194 runs in 20 overs. CSK got off to a great start as soon as Ayush Mhatre entered the box. While Mhatre was in the middle, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was on the opposite side of the field.
Ashwin claimed that when Mhatre increased the run rate, Gaikwad had a good chance to continue the momentum. At least, if he stayed in cover for a significant period of time, CSK could have some advantage over the opposing team’s bowlers.
R Ashwin observed that Ruturaj Gaikwad was under immense pressure.
“It was the best chance for him (Ruturaj Gaikwad) to score runs. He didn’t 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 there for Ruturaj to take some time, score some runs and get back to form,” Ravichandran Ashwin said on JioHotstar.
“After Ayush Mhatre’s wicket, Ruturaj got a very good ball; it is not easy to beat him in the shot. I feel he is under immense pressure and his mind seems to be a bit hazy,” he added.
SRH pacer Eshan Malinga secured the wicket of the Chennai Super Kings captain through a short delivery. Gaikwad, considered one of the best technical batsmen, unusually lost his wicket. The right-handed hitter went for a pull shot, but only got his gloves. After defection, he was left behind. Salil Arora was not wrong to grab the opportunity.
CSK’s winning streak was short-lived!
CSK started their campaign with three consecutive losses against Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru before posting two consecutive wins against Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders.
Hyderabad ended CSK’s two-match winning streak by defeating them by 10 runs. With 4 losses and 2 wins in 6 matches and a negative net rate of -0.780, the Yellow Brigade is currently in seventh place in the points table. Their next match will be on April 23, against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium.
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