In professional cricket, setbacks are unavoidable—but how a player reacts to pressure often determines how their story is remembered. Ruturaj Gaikwad is currently navigating one of the hardest stretches of his IPL journey, facing intensified scrutiny over his batting output and his credentials as Chennai Super Kings’ future captain after another disappointing campaign. The 29-year-old has been under the microscope as CSK’s performances failed to match the expectations around the franchise.
The spotlight sharpened further after CSK’s pivotal meeting with Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans on May 21 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Chasing a target of 230, CSK collapsed to 140 all out in just 14 overs, suffering an 89-run defeat in a must-win game for playoff qualification. The chase never gained momentum, and the innings reflected broader problems that have haunted their season.
In a high-scoring T20 contest, CSK struggled to remain competitive in pressure moments. The younger core appeared to be carrying too much of the burden, with limited support from more experienced senior players. In IPL terms, the margin for error is tiny, and CSK’s inability to steady the innings only amplified concerns about their overall balance.
Quick facts
- Match: CSK vs Gujarat Titans at Narendra Modi Stadium on May 21
- Result: CSK lost by 89 runs after failing to chase 230
- CSK innings: 140 all out in 14 overs
- Context: Must-win for playoff qualification
- Sanju Samson: dismissed for a golden duck
- Ruturaj Gaikwad: scored 16
- Playoff record: CSK missed playoffs for the third straight season since Gaikwad became captain in 2024
With Sanju Samson sent back for a first-ball golden duck and Gaikwad contributing just 16, CSK’s batting line-up failed to deliver when it mattered most. The outcome kept the franchise outside the playoffs for a third consecutive season, a run that began after Gaikwad took over the captaincy in 2024 following MS Dhoni.
As criticism and online abuse around Gaikwad continues to rise, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin stepped in with a public show of support. Ashwin argued that short spells in T20 cricket can swing quickly, and he urged fans not to write off the CSK skipper during a rough patch. His message was framed around the idea that reputations can change fast once form returns.
Ashwin even drew a comparison to Ishan Kishan’s career trajectory. He referenced Kishan’s turnaround after joining Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2025 following a difficult period with Mumbai Indians, where the batter struggled to justify the INR 15.25 crore tag from the 2022 mega auction. The underlying point was clear: confidence and opportunity can reshape a player’s fortunes in a hurry.
“Ruturaj Gaikwad is a good player, I maintain that. Sometimes people abuse him so much, I don’t know the reason. Ruturaj is not a bad player; it can happen to anyone. Fortunes can change anytime. You look at Ishan Kishan. Mumbai Indians spent a lot of money on him in the auction, but he couldn’t do much. SRH also invested in him, and he has been batting well for them. So, time changes everyone. It doesn’t make any sense to abuse any players,” Ashwin said in a recent video posted on his YouTube channel.
Why Ashwin’s backing matters
Ashwin’s defence carries weight because Gaikwad’s IPL record since debuting for CSK in 2020 has shown genuine class. He broke through with a standout 2021 season, scoring 635 runs, before adding another 590-run campaign during CSK’s title-winning run in 2023 under Dhoni. Even during his first year as captain, Gaikwad crossed the 500-run mark, with CSK narrowly missing the playoffs on net run rate.
That history highlights the talent already proven at the highest IPL level. Yet Gaikwad’s 2026 season has been difficult, with his tally reading 337 runs — a dip that has naturally fuelled debate about his form and his role as leader. Still, Ashwin’s stance is that a batting slump in T20 cricket is not always a verdict on ability.
According to Ashwin’s line of thinking, Gaikwad’s situation resembles Kishan’s resurgence at SRH. Kishan has already scored 490 runs this season and also played a role in keeping the franchise alive in the playoff race. Kishan further justified the faith placed in his leadership when he stepped in for the injured Pat Cummins earlier in the campaign, steering SRH to four wins from seven matches.
Ultimately, the call belongs to CSK management. For Gaikwad to rediscover his best form, he may require the patience and long-term backing that CSK once extended to Dhoni, especially during challenging phases. If CSK can stick with their captain through the turbulence, they may avoid another loss of talent before he gets the proper chance to fully find his rhythm again.
