New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad’s horror run with the bat continued in his side’s clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on Tuesday, April 14. Gaikwad flopped again as he was dismissed cheaply on 7 off six balls, failing to make the most of the Powerplay at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Gaikwad was dismissed by KKR spinner Anukul Roy after getting caught by Rovman Powell at deep mid-wicket in the third over of CSK’s innings after the hosts were invited to bat first in the game. It was the fifth successive failure for the CSK skipper in the ongoing IPL 2026 after cheap dismissals in his side’s first four matches of the season.
Gaikwad has so far managed only 63 runs in five innings at a dismal average of 12.6 and an abysmal strike rate of 105 in the IPL 2026 so far. His pairing with Sanju Samson at the top was expected to help CSK get consistent starts, but it has turned out to be a disappointment, as Gaikwad has failed to replicate his heroics from the past.
The CSK skipper has not only struggled for runs, but has also failed to make the most of the Powerplay. He has looked completely out of sorts with the bat and has struggled to up the ante in the Powerplay. Gaikwad was brutally trolled online after his failure against KKR on Tuesday, with many asking him to step down from captaincy or demote himself to no.3.
Ruturaj Gaikwad trolled after failure against KKR in IPL 2026:
#CSKvsKKR Looks like Ruturaj Gaikwad @Ruutu1331 neither learns from his mistakes nor practices before match day. Hides behind the term ‘ Captaincy pressure’ and adding burden to team as well. Pls sack yourself and get Urvil Patel in the team
— Rajaa Smith (@Rajaasherr) April 14, 2026
Another rapid start by worst player, worst captain Ruturaj Gaikwad 7(6).
Its high time get Urvil Patel. Sack this overrated captain.#CSKvKKR
— Mandar (@Mandar_62) April 14, 2026
Wasted only 6 balls, clear improvement. That’s Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad for you #CSKvsKKR pic.twitter.com/duEAnQv8Zo
— Memegineers (@memegineers_) April 14, 2026
#CSKvsKKR #KKRvsCSK #IPL2026
CSK fans to Ruturaj Gaikwad in every match: pic.twitter.com/93z2EJJr7F— Cheeto (@GoofyCheeto) April 14, 2026
Wagon wheel of Ruturaj Gaikwad in IPL 2026 #CSKvsKKR pic.twitter.com/ysYxIbW6w6
— Aditya (@adityacasm_) April 14, 2026
Ayush Mhatre helps CSK capitalise in Powerplay after Gaikwad’s departure
After Gaikwad’s cheap dismissal, young Ayush Mhatre arrived at no.3 and helped Chennai Super Kings capitalise in the Powerplay with a blazing 17-ball 38. The 18-year-old looked unfazed under pressure and went after the KKR bowlers from the word go. Mhatre smashed two fours and two sixes against Cameron Green in the 4th over, before slamming Vaibhav Arora for a hat-trick of boundaries in the final over of the Powerplay.
Mhatre fell against pacer Arora in the same over after getting caught by Ramandeep Singh on the boundary rope, trying to go big again. He combined to add 47 runs off just 22 balls for the 2nd wicket with Sanju Samson to help CSK post 72/2 in the Powerplay. CSK will be hoping to post a strong total on the board as they look to bag their second win in a row after beating Delhi Capitals at home in their last game.
