New Delhi, May 19: Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin believes that the responsibilities of captaincy are affecting Ruturaj Gaikwad’s batting performance. Under Gaikwad’s leadership, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have won 6 out of 13 matches in IPL 2026, while suffering losses in 7 games.
Since MS Dhoni stepped down from captaincy, CSK has been undergoing a transition. Speaking with JioCinema after CSK’s defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad, Ashwin stated, “CSK is clearly going through a phase of change since Dhoni’s departure. It is essential for everyone involved—fans, stakeholders, and the team—to understand that rebuilding takes time.”
The former spinner added, “The standards and expectations associated with CSK are high due to their legacy, but this group needs space and patience to move forward. Additionally, the added responsibility of captaincy has impacted Ruturaj Gaikwad’s batting. T20 cricket is already demanding, and carrying the leadership burden for a franchise like CSK can significantly affect a player’s performance.”
In the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday at MA Chidambaram Cricket Stadium, Gaikwad’s bat remained silent. He scored just 15 runs off 21 balls and did not hit a single boundary. His strike rate in IPL 2026 has been a modest 120.
CSK faced a 5-wicket defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad, making their path to the playoffs considerably challenging. The team is set to play its final league match against Gujarat Titans on May 21, needing a significant victory while also relying on the outcomes of other matches.
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