Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is facing strong criticism for his performance in IPL 2026. Former CSK player Subramaniam Badrinath has questioned both his batting and leadership, saying he has not delivered a single match-winning innings this season.
Badrinath questions Gaikwad’s batting approach
Badrinath said Gaikwad’s batting has been slow and has not helped the team in key moments. He pointed out that even Gaikwad’s recent unbeaten 74 did not make a big difference in the match result.
According to him, many players in the league are scoring faster fifties and hundreds, while Gaikwad has taken too many balls to build his innings. He also highlighted that the season is already several matches old, but a big impact innings is still missing.
CSK struggling this season
Chennai Super Kings have not had a good IPL 2026 so far. The team is currently placed in the lower half of the table with only a few wins.
While the bowling unit has shown some improvement in recent matches, the batting, especially at the top, remains a major concern. Gaikwad’s form is one of the key reasons behind the team’s inconsistent performance.
Gaikwad’s IPL 2026 performance
Here is a quick look at his numbers this season:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| First 7 match scores | 6, 28, 7, 15, 7, 19, 22 |
| Last match score | 74* vs Gujarat Titans |
| Average | 26 |
| Strike Rate | 121 |
These numbers show that he has struggled to convert starts into big, fast innings.
Opening partnership issues
Badrinath also raised concerns about CSK’s opening pair. He said the team has not been able to build strong starts, with the highest opening partnership being just around 30 runs this season.
He added that the team cannot blame pitch conditions every time, as other teams have scored well on the same wickets.
Also See : PSL 2026 Playoffs: Full Schedule, Teams, Squads & Live Streaming Details
Comparison with other performers
During the discussion, Badrinath mentioned that players like Sanju Samson have delivered strong performances, including multiple centuries, which has helped their teams win matches.
This comparison further highlights the gap in impact between Gaikwad and other top batters this season.
What CSK needs going forward
For Chennai Super Kings to improve, the team needs a strong comeback from Ruturaj Gaikwad. As captain and opener, his role is very important.
If he finds form in the remaining matches, CSK can still finish the season on a better note. Otherwise, the pressure on the team and its leadership will continue to grow.
Final thoughts
Ruturaj Gaikwad remains a talented player, but IPL 2026 has been a challenging season for him so far. With criticism increasing and matches running out, all eyes will be on whether he can deliver match-winning performances and lead CSK back into form.
