Badrinath Suggests CSK Consider Captaincy Change To Free Ruturaj Gaikwad

CSK is facing calls to reconsider Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy in IPL 2026 as poor form and team struggles raise concerns over leadership.

Chennai Super Kings’ slow start in IPL 2026 has shifted focus to leadership concerns. Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath suggested the team may consider relieving Ruturaj Gaikwad of captaincy duties.

He pointed to the visible impact of pressure on Gaikwad’s batting form. The opener has struggled in his first 6 innings, failing to deliver strong starts. His returns have not matched expectations for a top-order batter.

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Badrinath clarified that Gaikwad’s tactical decisions have not been poor. However, he stressed that the added responsibility is affecting his output with the bat. He suggested a possible leadership change to ease the burden.

“It is worth pondering if the CSK management will think about removing him as captain and handing the role to Sanju Samson. It’s not because he’s failing terribly as captain, but the captaincy burden is clearly showing in his batting. You can see it in his face that he’s under immense pressure. Just to offload that pressure, can CSK replace Ruturaj with Sanju as captain?” Badrinath said on his YouTube channel.

“Ruturaj needs to start firing. Six matches is a lot when you are opening and batting in the powerplay and keep failing. His captaincy was at least decent, though, in the SRH game. He hasn’t stepped up at all in run chases,” he added.

Sanju Samson remains an option within the squad with prior captaincy experience. Gaikwad’s performances in run chases have also raised concerns, adding to the pressure on the current captain.

Dhoni’s Absence Felt In Death Overs

The absence of MS Dhoni has added to the concern. His presence in death overs usually creates pressure on bowlers. Badrinath remarked that CSK have missed that edge while chasing targets this season.

“Irrespective of the physical issues he has, CSK desperately need him in the death overs, with the way they are struggling. Even now, if MS Dhoni is batting in the 18th over, the bowler is under pressure. Lengths and yorkers will miss, and he will play the helicopter shot. His calmness and composure mean that even if 16 are needed off the last over with him batting, the bowler will be under immense pressure,” Badrinath concluded.