Not Even MS Dhoni Could Do! Ruturaj Gaikwad's CSK Script Special IPL Record

Ruturaj Gaikwad and MS Dhoni - (Source: AFP)

In the ongoing IPL 2026 between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings, the Men in Yellow have got off to the perfect start while chasing a big total. Notably, the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side were asked to chase down 195 in MS Dhoni’s absence.

Notably, CSK lost an early wicket of Sanju Samson, but Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ayush Mhatre stitched a crucial partnership that brought the Men in Yellow back on track. Interestingly, the duo were unfazed by the first wicket and went all guns blazing.

CSK Slam Fastest IPL Team 50

CSK were tested with Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain, two heroes of SRH’s match against RR. However, they looked a pale shadow of their past version as Chennai Super Kings completed the team's fifty in just 18 balls.

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Further, it was Chennai’s fastest team fifty in IPL history. Notably, 22-ball team fifty was the previous best for the five-time winners against KKR in 2018. Here is the complete list.

2.6 Overs vs SRH, Hyderabad, 2026, Tonight*
3.4 Overs vs KKR, Chennai, 2018
3.5 Overs vs Punjab Kings, Mumbai (Wankhede), 2014

CSK Utilise Powerplay As Doctor Ordered

Not just the fastest fifty, but the five-time IPL winners also utilised the powerplay just like the doctor ordered. Notably, CSK scripted their highest powerplay total against SRH in IPL history.

Highest Powerplay Scores for CSK vs SRH in the IPL:

76/3 – Hyderabad, 2026, Tonight*
60/1 – Ranchi, 2014
60/0 – Chennai, 2023

Overall, it was CSK's fifth highest powerplay total in IPL history.

100/2 vs PBKS, Mumbai (Wankhede), 2014
90/0 vs MI, Mumbai (Wankhede), 2015
79/0 vs LSG, Chennai, 2023
77/3 vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2026
76/3 vs SRH, Hyderabad, 2026, Tonight*
75/1 vs RR, Mumbai (Brabourne), 2022

CSK Cruising Through, Ruturaj Gaikwad's Performance Under Scanner

Talking about the ongoing match, at the time of writing this article, Chennai Super Kings are in a comfortable situation and put 111/3 on the board after 10 overs. They require 84 runs to win in 60 balls.

The Men in Yellow are heading towards their third straight win in the tournament after losing the first three matches. The win would certainly take pressure off Ruturaj Gaikwad as a captain, but his individual performance has taken a big hit.

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Talking about Gaikwad's numbers in IPL 2026, the CSK captain has scored just 82 runs in six innings. He has averaged just 13.66, highest score being 28. Therefore, there are questions whether he should return to bat at No.3, promoting Ayush Mhatre back to open the innings.

Ruturaj Gaikwad in IPL 2026