Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have faced a major setback amid the ongoing IPL 2026 as their captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is ruled out of their crucial match against Gujarat Titans due to an injury. This setback comes at a bad time for CSK, who are already going through difficult times this season.
Chennai Super Kings have already lost four of their seven games so far in the ongoing IPL 2026. However, the five-time champions have somehow found a way to come back, mainly thanks to Sanju Samson, who scores the majority of the franchise’s runs.
Ruturaj Gaikwad adds to Chennai Super Kings’ woes in IPL 2026
They are currently fifth in the IPL 2026 points table and are looking to continue their momentum against the Gujarat Titans (GT) after thrashing Mumbai Indians by 103 runs. But Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury has left them in trouble again.
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The captain was already struggling for form, scoring 107 runs at a poor average of less than 15 and a strike rate of less than 120. However, Gaikwad’s presence was crucial in terms of balance and leadership, but now they will have to change their plans.
However, there is no official update on Ruturaj Gaikwad’s fitness status but former Zimbabwe bowler and commentator Pommie Mbangwa revealed that the CSK captain suffered an injury which ruled him out of the Gujarat Titans match on Sunday (April 26) in Chennai.
Sanju Samson set to lead CSK as Ruturaj Gaikwad is ruled out
Mbangwa even hinted that Sanju Samson will take over as captain in the CSK vs. GT. However, there is still no clarity on MS Dhoni’s availability. So now they have to fine-tune the entire team mix, but Samson will not only lead the team but also handle the maintenance duties.
Pommie Mbangwa said on Cricbuzz: “The news is that Ruturaj Gaikwad will not be available. Injury and all. So that’s the first part of things as far as CSK is concerned: who are the captains? We are going through a difficult time. That means there is a whole story to sort out.
It could just be that Sanju is the captain and stands and looks to the side, waiting for Ruturaj to return. It’s in good shape. It is always good to take care of it. It’s good that he has maintained his form since the T20 World Cup. As far as you know who replaces who and who comes in. “The big question will always be, and that has been the case throughout the season.”
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CSK’s season fades amid injuries and uncertainty
The commentator has pointed out how problems continue to mount for the five-time IPL champions this season. Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a serious hamstring injury while fans are still waiting to see MS Dhoni on the field.
The CSK icon has not played a single match in the ongoing IPL 2026 due to a calf injury he suffered before the tournament. The surprising thing is that he is now fit, but he is not yet ready to face GT. Mbangwa said CSK is trying hard to get back to normal but things are not going their way.
Mbangwa added: “Everyone is waiting every match to see if MS Dhoni will finally play, and the fans who come to the stadium hope that today is the day. You know, and it would be very interesting to hear how rowdy he will get if he actually goes out on the field and plays.”
But they are a team that is trying to get back in the right direction. And it’s sad that Ayush Mhatre is gone. That Ruturaj Gaikwad is also injured. Brevis is trying to jump on a moving bus or something and try to remain effective. Yes, very difficult times for them. But hopefully they can achieve it against the Gujarat Titans.”