Ruturaj Gaikwad was brutally honest after Chennai Super Kings’ defeat against Punjab Kings in their second IPL 2026 fixture at Chepauk on Friday. The franchise are winless after their opening two games and are also dealing with injuries. Also veteran MS Dhoni has been out of action due to injury.
Against PBKS, Kartik Sharma was used as a batter in the first innings, but he was dismissed for one off three balls. Then in the second innings, he was replaced by Impact Player Rahul Chahar, who also ended up having a poor outing. Chahar bowled four overs, leaking 46 runs at an economy of 11.50.
‘I think that is what cost us’: Ruturaj Gaikwad
Explaining the Impact Player decision, Gaikwad also felt that it cost them the match. Speaking in the post-match presentation, he said, “Yes, we felt we had three seamers in going in, and obviously we have two good wristspinners bowling in tandem, especially in the middle after the powerplay. We felt that, you know, it will help. But I think, you know, slight off day for both of them, so I think that is what cost us.”
CSK batted well in the fisrt innings as Ayush Mhatre’s 73 took them to 209/5 in 20 overs. Meanwhile, Shivam Dube smacked an unbeaten knock of 45* runs off 27 balls. But a poor bowling display saw PBKS cruise to 210/5 in 18/4 overs.
“Well, I think, you know, a mixture of both. Sometimes we executed really well. Sometimes we just didn’t execute at the right time, I would say. Just when the over was going really well, we conceded that six or a boundary either way,” Gaikwad said, regarding his side’s bowling.
“So I think the pressure didn’t really build. I think there was a point where it went to 11 an over and then maybe a couple of good overs from there. It would have climbed to 12 and 13. That’s how you gain momentum. So I think we just didn’t got the momentum in the middle. It’s definitely a tough one, but as I said, a lot of positives. You know, the batting came out really well. Ayush batted brilliantly. You know, to have him, have him that confidence going ahead in the season and definitely Shivam batted really well. So yeah, batting wise, we had good confidence. You know, bowling, yes, definitely a lot to improve”, he added.
