![Gaikwad joins MS Dhoni in shameful IPL list [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1779118152800_GaikwadjoinsMSDhoniinshamefulIPLlist.jpg?type=hq)
Gaikwad joins MS Dhoni in shameful IPL list [Source: AFP]
The IPL 2026 season has been turbulent for the CSK captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad. With a plethora of new signings ahead of the 2026 campaign, it was expected that Gaikwad would be the leader of the batting lineup, but so far, the Super Kings fans have been left disappointed.
He promoted himself as an opener alongside Sanju Samson, and that move has failed in the IPL 2026, as Gaikwad’s stocks continue to fall. He has been struggling in almost every game, and the IPL 2026 game between CSK and SRH was a prime example of it.
Gaikwad struggles against Pat Cummins-led SRH
Gaikwad won the toss and he had no hesitation in electing to bat first against the SRH side. The Chepauk surface favoured the batters, and the CSK captain was expected to take on the SRH bowlers.
However, it turned out to be a snoozefest from the Maharashtra batter as he failed to deliver the goods. While his fellow opener, Samson scored a quickfire 27 off 13, Gaikwad failed to connect the ball from the middle of the bat and scored just 15 off 21 as Pat Cummins ended his misery.
He couldn’t even score a single boundary, and Gaikwad’s struggles ended with a strike rate of 71.43, which showcases his poor form in IPL 2026.
Gaikwad joins MS Dhoni in unfortunate IPL list
In his pain-staking IPL knock of 15 off 21 balls, the CSK captain struck zero boundaries, as he only dealt in singles and doubles. With yet another struggling knock at such a crucial juncture of the tournament, Ruturaj entered a shameful IPL list.
He joined his CSK teammate, MS Dhoni, and other players in the list of IPL captains to have faced the most balls in an innings without scoring a boundary.
Also Read: MS Dhoni IPL Future: CSK Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad Drops Massive Update
Most balls faced in an IPL innings without a boundary
- 39b - Steve Smith (34 off 39 v SRH)
- 30b - MS Dhoni (28 off 30 v RCB)
- 27b - MS Dhoni (18 off 27 v DC)
- 22b - MS Dhoni (8* off 22 v KKR)
- 22b - Rohit Sharma (18 off 22 v CSK)
- 22b - Axar Patel (11 off 22 v KKR)
- 21b - MS Dhoni (12 off 21 v MI)
- 21b - 𝗥𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗷 𝗚𝗮𝗶𝗸𝘄𝗮𝗱 (15 off 21 v SRH)
Surprisingly, MSD, known for his aggressive batting, has his name four times on the list, while former Mumbai Indians skipper, Rohit Sharma, also has his name there.
Also Read: Sanju Samson's Brainfade Moment, CSK Batter Takes 'Worst DRS' Of IPL 2026
Gaikwad's poor IPL 2026 season at a glance
A leader on the pitch, and one of CSK’s most consistent performers in the last four years, Gaikwad was expected to shine in the ongoing IPL, but he has failed with the bat.
He has featured in 12 CSK games in IPL 2026 and has only accumulated 306 runs, with an average of 40, and a horrendous strike rate of 124.90. In fact, since his debut season in 2020, the ongoing campaign has witnessed Gaikwad’s worst strike rate in an IPL season.
This has put pressure on Sanju Samson and other CSK batters as they try to cover up after Gaikwad plays a slow IPL knock.
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