Chennai Super Kings’ skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad is facing challenges with the bat in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. In the recent match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Gaikwad scored only seven runs before being dismissed, continuing his trend of low scores this season. With a total of 63 runs in five innings and no half-century yet, his performance is a growing concern for the team despite their recent win over Delhi Capitals.
Gaikwad’s struggle to rotate strike and maintain pace during the Power-play has been noticeable. His dot-ball percentage in T20 cricket has risen to nearly 38.4 since 2025, affecting his scoring rate. Injuries have also disrupted his rhythm, limiting his T20 exposure leading into this season. Although he recently scored a century in an ODI, transitioning back to T20 cricket has not been smooth for him.
Despite his current slump, Gaikwad has a strong overall IPL record, accumulating over 2,500 runs in 75 matches since joining CSK in 2020. However, his strike rate has often been below the elite level, crossing 150 in a season only once due to injury. As CSK aims to bounce back, Gaikwad’s role in anchoring the innings while maintaining scoring momentum becomes crucial, especially as the tournament progresses to a critical phase.
