Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is facing a challenging phase in the IPL 2026 season after a recent 10-run loss to the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 18 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has been one of the main reasons for CSK’s poor performance, managing only 82 runs in six matches at an average of 13.66, with a strike rate of 112.33.
CSK legend and former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin attributed Ruturaj Gaikwad’s struggles to mental health issues.
When batting, with half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen, SRH secured a total of 194 runs in 20 overs. CSK got off to a flying start as soon as Ayush Mhatre walked into the crease.
Ashwin expressed his concern that Gaikwad failed to take advantage of a golden opportunity to score runs while batting alongside Mhatre.
‘It was the best chance for him to score runs,’ Ashwin said. ‘He didn’t need to take risks or score at a fast pace because of the way Ayush Mhatre started. They were running away with the power play. It was right there for Ruturaj to take some time, score some runs, and come back into form.’
‘I just feel he is under immense pressure, and his mind appears to be a bit cluttered,’ he added.
