What happened?
Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been leading Chennai Super Kings this season with MS Dhoni sidelined by injury, is facing intense scrutiny — both for his captaincy decisions and for a batting strike rate in the powerplay that has been notably below tournament average for openers. The 26-year-old is discovering that inheriting a legendary franchise's captaincy is accompanied by a weight of expectation that can affect performance.
Key Points
Gaikwad's powerplay strike rate is among the tournament's lowest for opening batters in IPL 2026
His batting average remains decent — second-highest scorer in CSK — but impact has been questioned
Captaincy decisions in 2–3 key matches have been second-guessed in hindsight
Stephen Fleming has publicly supported Gaikwad while acknowledging transition is "taking time"
Gaikwad hit 1000+ runs at Chepauk — a milestone tainted by the context of ongoing struggles
Comparison with Dhoni is unavoidable but unfair — no one should be compared to an all-time great
Background
Ruturaj Gaikwad's cricket abilities are not in question. He was BCCI's best domestic cricketer in multiple seasons. He scored a magnificent IPL season in 2021 under Dhoni's mentorship. He was groomed as Dhoni's successor for years. His batting technique — correct, high average, consistent — is exactly what CSK have built teams around for a decade.
Main Details
The specific captaincy criticisms this season centre on bowling changes in two close matches where CSK were defending. Critics argue Gaikwad held back certain bowlers too long. On batting, Gaikwad's powerplay strike rate of 124.65 is the second-lowest among regular openers in IPL 2026. CSK have been starting innings too conservatively — placing pressure on middle-order batters.
Reactions
Fleming's post-SRH match comment — "it's going to take a little bit of time" — was diplomatically honest and generated significant media attention. Former cricketers have been gentle but direct — Gaikwad needs to develop the specific match-reading instincts that CSK's system expects.
Impact Analysis
Gaikwad's development as a captain will shape CSK's next 5 years. If he finds his version of leadership — not mimicking Dhoni but establishing his own clear authority — CSK could remain competitive.
What Happens Next
Regardless of the 2026 playoff outcome, CSK's management will spend the off-season working specifically on Gaikwad's captaincy development. Dhoni's mentorship role will be central to CSK's planning.
FAQ
Q: Is Ruturaj Gaikwad a good captain?
A: He has leadership qualities but is still developing the specific match-reading instincts that CSK's system was built around under Dhoni.
Q: What is Gaikwad's IPL batting record?
A: He is CSK's second-highest run-scorer this season and has previously had exceptional individual seasons, including winning the Orange Cap in 2021.
Q: Is CSK replacing Gaikwad as captain?
A: No official indication of this. CSK's management has publicly supported Gaikwad through the difficult season.
Q: How will CSK cope without Dhoni?
A: This is the central question CSK management faces — building a post-Dhoni identity while retaining what made CSK special.
Q: Will Dhoni play in IPL 2027?
A: No official announcement. His fitness status will likely be a major story through the 2026 IPL off-season.