Ruturaj Gaikwad is ‘mentally unwell’, claims Ravichandran Ashwin

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is going through a challenging phase in the IPL 2026 season. After securing a couple of wins in a row, CSK went down by 10 runs against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 18 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad is one of the main reasons behind CSK’s poor form in the season. The experienced top-order batter has managed just 82 runs in six matches at an average of 13.66, with a strike rate of 112.33.

Ruturaj Gaikwad had a bright chance to showcase his batting antics

CSK legend and former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin explained that Ruturaj Gaikwad had a golden opportunity to show his batting skills against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Gaikwad departed after scoring 19 runs from 13 balls. He got only three 4s in the 13-ball innings.

Batting first, with the half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen, SRH secured a total of 194 runs in 20 overs. CSK got a flying start as soon as Ayush Mhatre walked into the crease. While Mhatre came in the middle, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was on the opposite side of the pitch.

Ashwin stated that as Mhatre boosted the run rate, Gaikwad got a good chance to carry on the momentum. At least, if he remained on the deck for a significant amount of time, the CSK might have some edge over the opposing team's bowlers.

R Ashwin observed that Ruturaj Gaikwad was under immense pressure

“It was the best chance for him (Ruturaj Gaikwad) to score runs. 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,” Ravichandran Ashwin said on JioHotstar.

“After Ayush Mhatre's wicket, Ruturaj got a very good ball; it's not easy to beat him on the pull. I just feel he is under immense pressure, and his mind appears to be a bit cluttered,” he added.

SRH pacer Eshan Malinga clinched the wicket of the Chennai Super Kings captain through a short-pitched delivery. Gaikwad, who is considered one of the best technical batters, unusually lost his wicket. The right-handed batter went to play a pull shot, but he got only his gloves. After the defection, it flew behind. Salil Arora made no mistake in grabbing the chance.

CSK's winning streak lived short!

CSK began their campaign with three successive losses against Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru before securing two consecutive wins against the Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders.

Hyderabad ended CSK’s two-match winning streak by defeating them by 10 runs. With 4 defeats and 2 wins in 6 matches, and a negative net run rate of -0.780, the Yellow brigade is currently at the seventh spot of the points table. Their next match will be on April 23, against the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium.

Read More: MS Dhoni update: CSK coach confirms fitness status and batting position in IPL 2026