CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad (Photo: IPL)
As Ruturaj Gaikwad starts to rediscover his form, former India pacer Ravichandran Ashwin believes Chennai Super Kings are getting more dangerous with every passing match.Gaikwad, known for his consistency in domestic and franchise cricket, has endured a tough start to IPL 2026.
In his first seven matches, the CSK skipper has managed just 104 runs, with a top score of 28.
However, signs of a turnaround were evident in last Sunday’s match against Gujarat Titans, where he scored an unbeaten 74 off 60 balls.
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He carried that momentum into Saturday’s match against Mumbai Indians, producing 67 off 48 deliveries. His batting played a key role in CSK’s all-round clinical performance, as they secured an eight-wicket win in the M.
A. Chidambaram Stadium to complete the league double over MI.Speaking on JioHotstar’s ‘Google Search AI Mode Match Center Live’, Ravichandran Ashwin spoke about getting Ruturaj Gaikwad back to form:“Everyone was talking about his form. This innings was a result of the previous match. It was a challenging wicket, and the GT game, the time he spent in the middle and the knock he played, you can’t compare it to the likes of Vaibhav Suryavanshi or Abhishek Sharma.”
On a wicket like this, that’s the way you have to play. Ruturaj played with great rhythm in this match and read the conditions well. His role was important. If CSK had lost one or two wickets, the pressure would have increased on their batting line-up.
“He took responsibility, and the way he played, CSK became more dangerous with every match,” Ashwin said.After a strong start, MI collapsed from a promising position to finish on 159/7, with Noman Dhir top-scoring with 57.
The middle order faltered again, unable to take advantage of the powerful platform. Anshul Kamboj (3/32) led CSK’s bowling, while Noor Ahmed and Jimmy Overton applied consistent pressure through the middle.In reply, CSK chased down the goal with ease, aided by an unbeaten 67 from captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and a steady 54* from Kartik Sharma. The win at the MA Chidambaram Stadium not only completed the league double over their arch rivals, but also dealt a huge blow to Mumbai Indians’ playoff hopes, keeping CSK firmly in contention.