Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is going through a challenging phase in the IPL 2026 season. After a few consecutive wins, CSK lost by 10 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on April 18.
Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is one of the main reasons behind CSK’s poor form in the season. The experienced top-order batsman has scored just 82 runs in six matches at an average of 13.66 and a strike rate of 112.33.
Ruturaj Gaikwad had a golden opportunity to showcase his batting.
CSK legend and former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said that Ruturaj Gaikwad had a golden opportunity to showcase his batting skills against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Gaikwad was out after scoring 19 runs in 13 balls. He hit only three fours in his innings of 13 balls.
Batting first, with half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen, SRH scored a total of 194 runs in 20 overs. CSK got a great start as soon as Ayush Mhatre came to the crease. While Mhatre came in the middle, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was on the opposite side of the pitch.
Ashwin said that as Mhatre increased the run rate, Gaikwad got a good opportunity to continue the pace. At least, if he stays on deck for long enough, CSK might get some edge over the opposition’s bowlers.
R Ashwin saw that Ruturaj Gaikwad was under a lot of pressure
Ravichandran Ashwin said on JioHotstar, “This was the best opportunity for him (Ruturaj Gaikwad) to score runs. The way Ayush Mhatre started, he didn’t need to take risks or score runs at a fast pace. He was running away from the power play. It was right for Ruturaj to take some time, score some runs and get back into form.”
He said, “After the wicket of Ayush Mhatre, Ruturaj got a very good ball; it is not easy to beat him at pull. I think he is under a lot of pressure, and his mind seems to be a bit jumbled.”
SRH fast bowler Ishan Malinga got the wicket of the Chennai Super Kings captain through a short-pitched delivery. Gaikwad, considered one of the best technical batsmen, unusually lost his wicket. The right-handed batsman went to play a pull shot, but got only the gloves. After defection it flew back. Salil Arora made no mistake in taking advantage of the opportunity.
CSK’s winning streak was short!
CSK started their campaign with three consecutive losses against Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore before securing two consecutive wins against Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders.
Hyderabad defeated CSK by 10 runs and ended their two-match winning streak. With 4 losses and 2 wins in 6 matches and a negative net run rate of -0.780, the Yellow Brigade are currently placed seventh on the points table. Their next match will be against Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 23 at the Wankhede Stadium.
Read More: MS Dhoni Update: CSK coach confirms fitness status and batting position in IPL 2026
