Former Chennai Super Kings spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed confidence in opener Ruturaj Gaikwad’s ability to bounce back in IPL 2026. Ashwin believes Gaikwad’s recent wins as captain will help him handle the pressure and find his form with the bat.
Ashwin advised Gaikwad to make a technical adjustment in his approach, suggesting he focus on timing the ball and playing more shots down the ground. He compared Gaikwad’s style to that of other successful batters like Ayush Mhatre and Sanju Samson.
While supporting Gaikwad, Ashwin also discussed Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) struggles in the tournament. He emphasized the importance of collective effort over individual performances and highlighted the impact of injecting fresh energy into the team, similar to what Venkatesh Iyer did for KKR in a previous season.
Ashwin pointed out the presence of promising players like Tejasvi Dahiya and Saurabh Dubey in KKR’s squad, suggesting that their inclusion could rejuvenate the team’s chances. He acknowledged the challenges ahead for KKR in the current season.
