Ruturaj Gaikwad is finding his rhythm at just the right time—and according to Ravichandran Ashwin, that spells trouble for the rest of the IPL.
The Chennai Super Kings captain endured a tough start to the season, managing just 104 runs across his first seven innings with a highest score of 28. But champions find a way, and Gaikwad is proving exactly why CSK remain one of the most feared sides in the tournament.
It all began last Sunday against Gujarat Titans, where Gaikwad played a gritty, unbeaten 74 off 60 balls—an innings that felt more like a statement than a simple score. He carried that momentum into Saturday's clash with Mumbai Indians, producing a composed 67 off 48 deliveries to guide CSK to a dominant eight-wicket win at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium.
The victory wasn't just another two points—it completed a league double over MI and solidified CSK's playoff credentials. For Mumbai, it was another frustrating night as their middle order faltered after a promising start, finishing at 159/7 despite Naman Dhir's top-scoring 57.
Speaking on JioHotstar's 'Google Search AI Mode Match Centre Live', Ashwin offered a fascinating breakdown of Gaikwad's resurgence. "Everyone was talking about his form," the veteran off-spinner said. "This innings was a result of the previous game. It was a challenging wicket against GT, and the time he spent in the middle—you can't compare it with the likes of Vaibhav Suryavanshi or Abhishek Sharma. On wickets like these, this is how you should play."
Ashwin highlighted the captain's growing influence: "Ruturaj played with great tempo and read the conditions well. His role was crucial—if CSK had lost one or two more wickets, the pressure would have increased on their batting line-up. He took responsibility, and the way he played, CSK are becoming more dangerous with every match."
CSK's bowling unit also stepped up, with Anshul Kamboj leading the way (3/32), while Noor Ahmad and Jamie Overton applied relentless pressure through the middle overs. The result? A clinical all-round performance that has the rest of the league taking notice.
For CSK fans, Gaikwad's form turnaround is more than just a captain finding his touch—it's a warning shot. When the defending champions' leader starts firing, the entire lineup becomes a different beast. And as Ashwin rightly pointed out, that's exactly what makes Chennai Super Kings so dangerous right now.