Ruturaj Gaikwad opens up on 'challenges' as CSK suffer tough loss to GT: 'We were lethargic'

Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad admitted to the team’s batting struggles after posting 158/7 against the Gujarat Titans at Chepauk and opened up to the challenged they encountered on the field.

Ruturaj Gaikwad admits CSK’s batting struggles as GT cruise to eight‑wicket win at Chepauk. Image: Reuters

FirstCricket Staff|Apr 26, 2026, 20:40:01 IST

Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad conceded to their struggles while batting first and acknowledged that it was challenging to play some shots.

Ruturaj managed to break his form rut and delivered a power-packed 74* off 60 deliveries, pushing CSK's score to 158/7 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday. The skipper was under pressure after the hosts' batting tumbled terribly, making it difficult for them to gain momentum in the competition.

Gaikwad admits inconsistencies

Ruturaj Gaikwad expressed his detestation while admitting the team's difficulties in the first innings. He revealed that the pace was inconsistent and the bounce was up and down.

Gaikwad also admitted losing too many wickets during the innings, saying that they could've reached 170-180.

"Sometimes I hate to assess it this way, but it was challenging in the first innings. It was holding for the medium pacers, and the bounce was up and down. We lost too many wickets, but it was difficult to play some shots," Ruturaj Gaikwad said after the match.

CSK had no idea how the pitch was playing

Gaikwad further revealed that the pitch was unpredictable, and they had no idea how the pitch would behave. He further said that it was an off day as things didn't work in their favour despite attempting to adjust, and a lack of energy led to a poor performance.

"Not expected. It is hard to assess how it plays. This game, we didn't have any idea. By the time we wanted to adapt, it was too late. At the first timeout, when Flem came out, I told him, I am trying to attack, but it was tough. There was more bounce, or less bounce, and I told him I am trying to change. It just did not come good. It was just an off day, and even on the field, we were lethargic," Gaikwad added.

The Gujarat Titans batted flawlessly during the chase, with Sai Sudharsan anchoring the innings with a brilliant 87 off 46 deliveries. Skipper Shubman Gill put up 33, while Jos Buttler steered the team towards an eight-wicket victory with 20 balls to spare.

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