Chennai Super Kings’ nightmare run in IPL 2026 continued as they suffered yet another setback, this time against Delhi Capitals in a crucial encounter. Still searching for their first win of the season, CSK once again failed to deliver under pressure, with their batting unit misfiring at key moments.

With expectations high from skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, the spotlight was firmly on him to lead from the front. However, the right-hander endured another disappointing outing, further compounding CSK’s woes in what has been a forgettable campaign so far.

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s poor form continues to haunt CSK

Ruturaj’s struggles with the bat remained a major talking point as he failed to convert his start into a meaningful contribution. His innings came to an abrupt end on the second ball of the 7th over, leaving CSK in a tricky position.

Facing Axar Patel, Gaikwad attempted to take on a short delivery with a pull shot. However, the execution lacked timing and control. The ball went high in the air towards deep mid-wicket, where Pathum Nissanka was stationed perfectly. Nissanka kept his composure and completed a safe catch, ending what can only be described as a scratchy and unconvincing knock.

The dismissal once again highlighted Gaikwad’s ongoing struggles in IPL 2026. Despite being one of CSK’s most dependable batters in previous seasons, the opener has found it difficult to get going this year. His inability to anchor the innings or provide stability at the top has hurt the team significantly, especially in pressure situations.

Also READ: IPL 2026: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head blast SRH to highest powerplay score of the season

Fans react with frustration over Ruturaj’s poor form

As soon as Gaikwad walked back to the pavilion, social media platforms were flooded with reactions from disappointed fans. Many supporters did not hold back in expressing their frustration over the skipper’s repeated failures with the bat. Several fans criticized Gaikwad’s approach, calling his innings “timid” and “lacking intent,” while others questioned his leadership amid the team’s ongoing slump. A section of supporters even demanded a change in batting order or leadership to revive CSK’s campaign.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Brilliant test innings from Ruturaj Gaikwad 🫡

— Qwertt (@metalparkLP) April 11, 2026

What happened to Ruturaj Gaikwad 🤔

From being a top contender for the Indian team to being completely out of form.#CSKvsDC #RuturajGaikwad

— Toxic Raya (@RockyRayaRavana) April 11, 2026

Have some shame ruturaj gaikwad. High time hang up ur boots

— Daaga #SackFleming (@upbeatsad) April 11, 2026

Ruturaj Gaikwad this season so far..😭 pic.twitter.com/DmLwRqPksj

— Butterscotch (@LoftedDrivee) April 11, 2026

Ruturaj Gaikwad treating the powerplay like a Test match warm-up
15(18) on a batting paradise while other teams’ openers are launching rockets. Bro is single-handedly wasting the best phase of the innings. pic.twitter.com/5J8XyCwCJk

— Muftanal Wohra (@mufatnal_wohraa) April 11, 2026

Currently ruturaj gaikwad is the weakest link in the team 🙄🙌#ipl,#dsvscsk

— shivam dube nation🏏❤️ (@KendreMina58166) April 11, 2026

Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad 🤡#CSKvsDC pic.twitter.com/g6XSiemm9D

— Aditya (@adityacasm_) April 11, 2026

Ruturaj Gaikwad core #CSKvsDC pic.twitter.com/kRgCiBNO0n

— SwatKat💃 (@swatic12) April 11, 2026

Please tell Ruturaj Gaikwad that CSK does not pay him ₹18 crore just to play 18 balls. And in that too, only 15 runs.#CSKvsDC #DCvsCSK pic.twitter.com/a4FZVWRRMI

— Aryan⁵⁶ (@MStark_56) April 11, 2026

Ruturaj Gaikwad is not a T20 Batter.
CSK should try Sanju-Ayush-Urvil as their TOP 3.
These Support staffs need to go ASAP.#SackStephenFleming#CSK

— Abhinandan (@bu5ul) April 11, 2026

What happens to Ruturaj Gaikwad ?

I am more concerned about his batting than Captaincy. 🥲 pic.twitter.com/CuRtDNqwa1

— Jason (@mahixcavi7) April 11, 2026

Our first admission is Ruturaj Gaikwad pic.twitter.com/2OMP2A7HPW

— Dot Ball Academy (@Dotballschool) April 11, 2026

Chennai Super Kings will not get support in home ground also if they continue with this Ruturaj Gaikwad #IPL2026

— MSD & PK fan (@Kalyan_MSD_Stan) April 11, 2026

Even Virat Kohli changed his approach to match modern cricket.

Meanwhile Ruturaj Gaikwad and the rest of Chennai Super Kings still think they can survive in 2026 playing like it’s 2016 😭

— Thefitdoc (@Siddurp2) April 11, 2026

Never seen a bigger loser than Ruturaj Gaikwad and yeah I look into a mirror daily

— Tiananmen Cube (@Kaifiyat_Xpress) April 11, 2026

Ruturaj Gaikwad: new member of Justice Gang. #CSKvsDC pic.twitter.com/aWi2pEiU3T

— Abhinav Gaurav (@abhinavgaurav_) April 11, 2026

The worst thing CSK did this season was making Ruturaj Gaikwad the captain. This captaincny tag has created immense pressure on my man that he is already depressed after loosing the first 3 matches and now he has to score the runs too.

Captaincy in IPL is never easy.

— Rahul (blue tick) 🧖🏻‍♂️ (@merii_mrziii) April 11, 2026

Bc our captain Ruturaj Gaikwad wasted 3 overs in a 20 over innings. 🤡 #CSKvsDC

— AVNISH 🇮🇳 (@avnishh26) April 11, 2026

Ruturaj gaikwad is a burden.
Period. #ipl #csk

— Local Athletes (@L0calAthletes) April 11, 2026

Ruturaj Gaikwad tuze khelna nahi ata T20 tu Test Cricket khel.🤡

— UtdXtra (@InsideUtdHQ) April 11, 2026

ruturaj gaikwad my therapist wanna talk to you🥹

— aditya (@thereadingattic) April 11, 2026

Also READ: IPL 2026: Here’s why Vipraj Nigam and Nitish Rana are not playing today’s CSK vs DC match