Chennai Super Kings endured a forgettable start to their IPL 2026 campaign, being bowled out for just 127 and losing heavily to Rajasthan Royals with 7.5 overs remaining at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Their top order failed to fire, as Sanju Samson (6), Ruturaj Gaikwad (6), Ayush Mhatre (2), and Matthew Short (2) all fell cheaply, each dismissed inside the powerplay. The early collapses left CSK reeling, with the batters unable to build any meaningful partnerships. Poor shot selection and a lack of application at the crease compounded their problems, preventing any recovery. The team’s middle order could not stabilise the innings, and it was left to number eight Jamie Overton to drag them past the 100-mark with a fighting 43, highlighting the extent of the collapse. It was a disappointing outing for the five-time champions, who will now need to regroup quickly if they hope to avoid another slow start in the season.
Ruturaj Gaikwad was bowled for just 6 against Rajasthan Royals. (AP)
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Ashwin reflected on CSK’s early collapse, saying the game was effectively decided once the top three fell in the powerplay. He described Gaikwad’s wicket as a tricky situation but acknowledged the batter’s intent, emphasising the importance of an attacking mindset in T20 cricket.
"The game was over when Sanju, Ayush, and Ruturaj were dismissed in the powerplay. Gaikwad's dismissal was a Catch-22 situation. T20 is a format where you have to show intent. What Ruturaj did today, I won't say that was wrong, because he showed intent," he said on his YouTube channel.
The veteran all-rounder offered his thoughts on CSK’s batting strategy, stressing the need to preserve wickets in the powerplay. He suggested Gaikwad and Mhatre open, with Samson at No.3, emphasising building a platform early and accelerating later to post a competitive total.
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The veteran all-rounder offered his thoughts on CSK’s batting strategy, stressing the need to preserve wickets in the powerplay. He suggested Gaikwad and Mhatre open, with Samson at No.3, emphasising building a platform early and accelerating later to post a competitive total.
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"If this remains CSK's batting order for the next two games, I can say one thing 100 per cent, these guys should not lose their wickets in the first 10 overs. Keep the wickets in hand, and then you can accelerate accordingly and increase the score. Capitalise towards the end. Now that Brevis is not there, Ruturaj and Ayush should open, and Sanju should come in at No.3," he suggested.
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.
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Home/Cricket/'Ruturaj Gaikwad's dismissal was a catch-22 situation': R Ashwin defends CSK skipper's after horror show vs RR
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