Ruturaj Gaikwad’s lean patch in TATA IPL 2026 continued to haunt the Chennai Super Kings, with the skipper once again falling cheaply at Chepauk. For CSK fans, it has become one of the biggest concerns of the season: the team may have finally found a winning rhythm, but their captain still looks far from his best at the top of the order.
Chennai Super Kings had ended their losing streak in the previous game by beating Delhi Capitals, a result that also saw Sanju Samson strike a superb century. That win offered plenty of relief, but Gaikwad’s form remained under the scanner. Going into CSK’s fifth match of the season, he had managed only 56 runs in four innings, with an average of 14 and a strike rate of 102.
Against Kolkata Knight Riders, the right-hander hoped for a much-needed response after CSK were asked to bat first. But his stay was short-lived. In the second over of the Powerplay, Gaikwad attempted a sweep against Anukul Roy, only to mistime it toward deep mid-wicket. Rovman Powell settled under the chance cleanly, sending the CSK captain back for just 7.
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Gaikwad’s dismissal could have unsettled Chennai, but Ayush Mhatre made sure the innings did not lose momentum. The young opener carried the aggression forward almost immediately, while Samson had already given CSK a strong launch by collecting 15 runs from the first over. Mhatre looked fearless from the start, taking on both Cameron Green and Vaibhav Arora with authority.
Ruturaj’s poor form continues pic.twitter.com/Uo70EuylDC
— Nickk Knight (@KnightNick34590) April 14, 2026
He was especially brutal against Green, plundering 20 runs in the pacer’s second over and keeping the scoreboard moving at a brisk pace. The 20-year-old then continued to pepper the boundary against Arora, helping CSK surge to 72 inside the Powerplay.
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KKR, however, hit back through their pace attack. Vaibhav Arora responded with a clever short-ball plan, unsettling Mhatre with pace and bounce. After a couple of dot balls, the youngster tried to force another big hit, but Arora had him set up well. Ramandeep Singh completed a safe catch in the deep, dismissing the second CSK batter in similar fashion.
For Chennai Super Kings, the signs are mixed. The batting unit is showing flashes of promise, but Gaikwad’s form remains a serious concern as the IPL 2026 season gathers pace.
