Chennai Super Kings’ struggles in IPL 2026 have reached a worrying new low, with the franchise suffering a third successive defeat and Ruturaj Gaikwad enduring his seventh straight loss as captain. In the wake of Sunday’s loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, former South Africa batter Faf du Plessis backed Gaikwad, suggesting that the setbacks will ultimately sharpen him as both a player and a leader after being tested through difficult phases.
CSK’s skid and Gaikwad’s tough start as captain
Sunday’s result against Royal Challengers Bengaluru added another chapter to CSK’s current slide, while it also marked a personal milestone of sorts for Gaikwad—his run of seven consecutive defeats as skipper. The pressure that comes with wearing the yellow jersey has intensified, and du Plessis highlighted how quickly expectations can pile up for a young captain forced to absorb back-to-back losses.
- CSK recorded their third consecutive defeat in IPL 2026.
- Gaikwad’s defeat streak as captain reached seven straight matches.
- The match in question was CSK vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday.
Du Plessis on leadership under pressure
Du Plessis framed Gaikwad’s situation as a typical early-career baptism for captains, while also pointing to the extra burden created when a leader is not only managing the side but also failing to deliver personal performances. He stressed that expectations rise sharply once a young captain steps into the role, and that the weight of those expectations is felt immediately.
In his comments on JioStar, du Plessis said that enduring successive defeats is never easy for a young captain. He noted that the challenge becomes even steeper when the skipper’s own performances do not meet the required standards, because then the pressure magnifies on both fronts. For Gaikwad, du Plessis described the current phase as an experience of what it truly feels like to carry the “yellow shirt” burden—where fans demand not just competitive cricket, but results, trophies, and deep tournament runs.
Du Plessis added that every captain goes through moments like this, and the response determines whether the leadership role strengthens or breaks the individual. He also suggested that the current stretch can harden Gaikwad mentally, helping him develop a tougher mindset that will serve him for the long term.
- Du Plessis said it is difficult for a young captain to handle back-to-back defeats.
- He pointed out that poor personal output makes the situation even harder for the player-skipper.
- He described the “yellow shirt” as coming with a price due to high fan expectations.
- He said dealing with such pressure early is part of most captains’ journeys.
Support system, Dhoni’s return, and parallels with other IPL captains
Du Plessis did not only focus on the negatives. He argued that Gaikwad has the necessary foundations to grow through the hardship, including a strong support structure and experienced guidance. He also referenced the leadership presence of MS Dhoni, saying Dhoni will soon be back in the mix, which he believes will provide additional backing for the CSK captain.
He further suggested that Gaikwad’s growth will show up over time—by becoming a better leader and a more complete player through these challenging experiences. Du Plessis’ remarks positioned the current run as an opportunity for development rather than a permanent label.
Alongside his comments on Gaikwad, du Plessis pointed to the company he has joined in this unwanted category. Gaikwad joins Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh as captains who endured extended losing runs during their IPL leadership stints. Kohli lost across the 2018 and 2019 IPL seasons while captaining Royal Challengers Bengaluru, while Yuvraj lost in 2013 with the now-defunct Pune Warriors India.
- Du Plessis said Gaikwad has a good mindset and a strong support staff.
- He added that MS Dhoni’s return to the setup will help the captain.
- He believes the hardship can make Gaikwad stronger as a skipper and improve him as a player.
- Gaikwad joined Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh in an unwanted losing-run list.
- Kohli’s extended losses came during the 2018 and 2019 IPL seasons as RCB captain.
- Yuvraj’s losing run as captain was in 2013 with Pune Warriors India.
Next fixture: CSK vs Delhi Capitals
After the loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side will move on to their next assignment against Delhi Capitals on April 11 in Chennai.
