CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad (Image: IPL) As Ruturaj Gaikwad begins to rediscover his form, former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes Chennai Super Kings are becoming more dangerous with each passing game.Known for his consistency in domestic and franchise cricket, Gaikwad has endured a tough start to IPL 2026. In his first seven matches, the CSK skipper managed just 104 runs with a top score of 28. However, there were signs of a turnaround in last Sunday’s match against Gujarat Titans where he hit an unbeaten 4-ball 607.
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Vikram Solanki on GT strategy, pitch and team decisionsHe carried that momentum into Saturday’s clash against Mumbai Indians, making 67 off 48 deliveries. His knock played a key role in CSK’s clinical all-round performance as they secured an eight-wicket victory at the MA Chidambaram Stadium to complete the league double over MI.Speaking at JioHotstar’s ‘Google Search AI Mode Match Center Live’, Ravichandran Ashwin spoke about Ruturaj Gaikwad’s resurgence in form:“Everybody was talking about his form. This innings was a result of the previous match. It was a tough wicket, the GT game and the time he spent in the middle and the knock he played, it cannot be compared to the likes of Vaibhav Suryavanshi or Abhishek Sharma. On wickets like these, you should play like this. Ruturaj played if his role was good in important conditions and CSK. two more wickets, the pressure on their batting line-up would be He stepped up. He took charge and the way he played, CSK are more dangerous with every match,” said AshwinAfter a strong start, MI collapsed from a promising position to end on 159/7 with Naman Dhir top-scoring with 57. The middle order again faltered as they were unable to capitalize despite a solid platform. CSK’s bowling was led by Anshul Kamboj (3/32) while Noor Ahmad and Jamie Overton applied consistent pressure through the middle overs.In reply, CSK comfortably chased down the target, powered by an unbeaten 67 from skipper 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 significant blow to Mumbai Indians’ play-off hopes while keeping CSK firmly in contention.
