- Ashwin backs Ruturaj Gaikwad amid IPL 2026 criticism
- Captaincy pressure affecting Gaikwad’s batting, says Ashwin
- CSK going through transition after MS Dhoni era
The Chennai Super Kings’ defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai was a blow to their chances of making the playoffs.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, the skipper, struggled with the bat and only managed to score 18 runs off of 21 balls as the hosts got off to a poor start. Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has supported the CSK captain despite criticism of his performances this season.
Ashwin backed Gaikwad, arguing that leadership in a competition such as the Indian Premier League entails strain that is sometimes overlooked.
He continued by saying that under Gaikwad’s leadership, CSK is now going through a transition period after MS Dhoni’s captaincy. As the new leadership group settles in, Ashwin urged the fans to stay patient.
“The added responsibility of captaincy seems to have affected Ruturaj Gaikwad’s batting. T20 cricket is already demanding, and carrying the burden of leadership alongside expectations from a franchise like CSK can have a significant impact on a player.”
“Chennai Super Kings are clearly in a transition phase in the post-Dhoni era, and it’s important for everyone around the franchise — fans, stakeholders, and the team itself — to recognise that rebuilding takes time.
“The standards and expectations associated with CSK are incredibly high because of their legacy, but this group needs space and patience as they evolve,” he further added.
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Five teams fight for final IPL 2026 playoff spot
With 12 points from 13 games, the Chennai Super Kings’ chances of making the playoffs are slim. Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru all qualified for the playoffs after SRH’s victory on Monday.
Five teams are now vying for the last playoff spot: CSK, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and Kolkata Knight Riders. As the last week of the league stage approaches, every team—aside from Rajasthan—remains reliant on other outcomes.
On May 21, CSK will meet Gujarat Titans in their last group-stage game at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Also Read:Ms Dhoni takes lap of honour at Chepauk
Aaron Finch backs Ruturaj Gaikwad amid captaincy criticism
The former Australia captain Aaron Finch also advised caution when judging Gaikwad’s leadership, noting that captaincy naturally comes with added responsibility.
“It’s important not to judge a player or a captain based on just one season because T20 cricket can be extremely demanding and unpredictable. From a captaincy perspective, Ruturaj Gaikwad has still led the side well, especially with his decisions and composure on the field,” Aaron Finch said.
“At times, form and leadership pressure can overlap, but for him, it now comes down to rediscovering his batting rhythm and getting back to scoring consistently. The quality is still there, and sometimes in T20 cricket, phases like these can change very quickly,” he added.
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