19 May,2026 02:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravi Ashwin (File Pic)
Chennai Super Kings suffered a setback in their pursuit of a playoff spot after losing to Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai.
The hosts got off to a slow start, with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad struggling with the bat and scoring 18 runs off 21 balls. While the CSK skipper has faced criticism for his performances this season, he has received backing from former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
Ashwin supported Gaikwad, saying leadership in a tournament like the Indian Premier League comes with pressure that is often underestimated.
He added that CSK are currently going through a transition phase following MS Dhoni's captaincy tenure and are entering a new era under Gaikwad's leadership.
Ashwin urged fans and stakeholders to remain patient as the new leadership group settles in.
"The added responsibility of captaincy seems to have affected Ruturaj Gaikwad's batting. T20 cricket is already demanding, and carrying the burden of leadership alongside expectations from a franchise like CSK can have a significant impact on a player," Ashwin said.
"Chennai Super Kings are clearly in a transition phase in the post-Dhoni era, and it's important for everyone around the franchise - fans, stakeholders, and the team itself - to recognise that rebuilding takes time. The standards and expectations associated with CSK are incredibly high because of their legacy, but this group needs space and patience as they evolve," he further added.
Former Australia captain Aaron Finch also advised caution while judging Gaikwad's leadership, pointing out that captaincy naturally brings additional pressure.
"It's important not to judge a player or a captain based on just one season because T20 cricket can be extremely demanding and unpredictable. From a captaincy perspective, Ruturaj Gaikwad has still led the side well, especially with his decisions and composure on the field," Aaron Finch said.
"At times, form and leadership pressure can overlap, but for him, it now comes down to rediscovering his batting rhythm and getting back to scoring consistently. The quality is still there, and sometimes in T20 cricket, phases like these can change very quickly," he added.
(With PTI inputs)
