Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has called for patience with the franchise’s new-look squad and urged fans and stakeholders to ease the pressure on youngsters as CSK goes through a clear transition phase in IPL 2026. With the new core inducted, Gaikwad made it clear that the priority is growth, not immediate results.
This news comes on the back of a reality check against Rajasthan Royals where IPL-2026-rr-vs-csk-memes-chennai-super-kings-ms-dhoni-ruturaj-gaikwad-2889341-2026-03-30″ target=”_blank”> CSK’s young batting unit was hijacked in the season opener in Guwahati. Ahead of their clash with the Punjab Kings, Gaikwad stressed the need to give the young players time and freedom to cope with the demands of the league.
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“When I look at this team now, it’s a very young team. The excitement is there, but at the same time there’s a big difference between experienced players and inexperienced players. So you have to allow them to make mistakes. You have to allow them to express themselves. You have to make sure they’re in a good headspace,” Gaikwad said at the pre-match press conference.
“I think, (there is pressure to perform) from families, from the media, from the team members, from everyone (in the IPL),” Gaikwad said. “So to deal with that and just get into IPL performance mode, sometimes it takes time,” he added.
The challenge for CSK was revealed in this opening match. Bowled for just 127, they were never in control after being reduced to 51 for 5 inside 7.2 overs, with Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger making it to the top order. The chase became even more one-sided as RR cruised home in just 12.1 overs, powered by a stunning 15-ball 52 from teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
For CSK, it was a reminder of the gap between promise and performance. Five debutants, including Karthik Sharma, were given an opportunity, but moving up proved difficult. The absence of icons like MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina only increased the focus on new faces.
HOW CSK MOVED TO THE YOUTH
This CSK side looks very different from the one that benefited from experience more than ten years. The franchise has gradually moved on from its old guard, including Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin and Dwayne Bravo, and is now investing heavily in youth.
The arrivals of players like Dewald Brevis, Urvil Patel and Ayush Mhatre along with the acquisition of Sanju Samson signal a long-term rebuild.
The first signs may be patchy, but the intent is clear. CSK is no longer just about experience and confidence. They are about potential, risk and a new generation being found.
“You try to share your experience with them, (but) it shouldn’t make them cautious. It shouldn’t make them fall into a negative mood. To debut for a franchise like CSK is a huge achievement for them. So the first thing is to enjoy it, accept it and give your best, whatever it is. If it happens to them, well and good, even if it’s not in their long journey yet.” It’s just about managing their strengths and just navigating them so they don’t struggle and have no doubts about it,” Gaikwad said.
And as Gaikwad made clear, this journey will come with mistakes. The key for CSK is to let these mistakes happen without the pressure defining the players.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
03 Apr 2026 10:25 IST
