Ruturaj Gaikwad again failed to make a big score in the IPL 2026 match against Kolkata Knight Riders on Tuesday (April 14).
KKR won the toss and elected to bowl first. Gaikwad opened the batting but struggled once again and was dismissed for 7 off just 6 balls. He was caught at deep mid-wicket by Rovman Powell off Anukul Roy while attempting a big shot.
This early wicket came during a phase where CSK were looking to build momentum in the powerplay, but Gaikwad failed to get going and fell cheaply, continuing his lean patch with the bat. Ruturaj Gaikwad's poor form so far in IPL 2026 has been a major talking point for Chennai Super Kings.
In five matches this season, he has scored only 63 runs at an average of 12.60 and a strike rate of 105.00,
with scores of 6, 28, 7, 15, and now 7. He is yet to register a half-century or even cross 30 in any innings, and his slow starts at the top have often put pressure on the middle order. Despite CSK showing improvement in other areas with contributions from players like Sanju Samson, the lack of form from their captain and regular opener remains a big concern as the team looks to climb the points table. Fans and experts hope he finds his rhythm soon to lead from the front.
Fans react as Ruturaj Gaikwad Fail Again
The CSK fans were not happy as Ruturaj Gaikwad failed again with the bat for Chennai Super Kings. Many fans expressed frustration over his repeated failures: "Another frustrating outing. Why is he opening when Ayush Mhatre is in form? Wasting balls, no impact.
"It's time to be honest, Ruturaj Gaikwad hasn't been delivering. CSK can't afford to carry this form. He should be immediately dropped and relieved of captaincy," said another.
Why ruturaj gaikwad is captain of csk ?
- Chronology (@Chronology1008) April 14, 2026
Unpopular opinion
- Cricket Wisdom (@Cricketadd75277) April 14, 2026
Jamie overton should bat before the Ruturaj gaikwad??#CSKvsKKR
Ayush Mhatre should open for CSK with Samson
- Bacon🐷 (@Nature0910) April 14, 2026
Ruturaj Gaikwad is too much tuk tuk!@ChennaiIPL#CSKvsKKR
"The best spot for Gaikwad. is at 4. Once he gets a couple of big scores. he can go back to opening. He is a wonderful cricketer and he will come out of this rut," said a CSK fan.
CSK, despite a storng start, have finished at 192/5 in their full quota of overs and KKR will have to chase it down to get their first victory of the season.
