Chennai Super Kings' Rocky Start to IPL 2026 Campaign
The Chennai Super Kings have encountered a challenging opening phase in the Indian Premier League 2026 season, securing only two victories from their initial six matches. This disappointing performance has seen them slide down to seventh position on the points table, raising significant concerns among fans and analysts alike.
Captain Gaikwad Under Fire for Batting Form
Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has found himself at the center of growing criticism, not merely for the team's underwhelming results but also for his personal struggles with the bat. Across six innings, Gaikwad has managed to accumulate just 82 runs, averaging a meager 13.67 with a strike rate of 112.33. These statistics starkly highlight his current dip in form and have intensified scrutiny on his leadership capabilities.
Manjrekar Shifts Blame to CSK Management
However, former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has argued that the responsibility should not fall solely on the young skipper's shoulders. Speaking on Sportstar's Insight Edge podcast, Manjrekar directed criticism toward the franchise's owners and key decision-makers behind the scenes. "This blame, I'm going to put at the doorstep of the owners and people who make the big decisions. Because Gaikwad, before he was captain, was phenomenal at the top of the order," Manjrekar stated emphatically.
The Dhoni Factor and 'Sycophancy' in Cricket
Manjrekar also suggested that the persistent spotlight surrounding legendary former captain MS Dhoni has complicated matters for Gaikwad. "And then that thing with M.S. Dhoni, whether he's going to be playing, whether he's going to be captain, they handled that very badly. And this is where you see the sycophancy of Indian culture that has seeped into cricket as well. I mean, there isn't just a fan following of Dhoni, there is sycophancy around it," he added.
To illustrate his point, Manjrekar recalled a specific incident involving Dhoni that provoked a strong reaction from fans. "There was one instance of Dhoni trying to put his bat into the crease, and it was a very close call. And I said, well, he is clearly short of the crease, and it should be run out. They got angry with me for saying that because it was anti-Dhoni. So somewhere they lost sight of the whole picture."
Dhoni's Absence and Uncertain Return
MS Dhoni has been absent from IPL 2026 so far, having sustained a calf strain prior to the season's commencement. When questioned whether Dhoni's potential return could alleviate pressure on Gaikwad, Manjrekar expressed uncertainty, pondering how the veteran would integrate into the current team setup.
"Maybe, but then you have to play Dhoni on the field. And how do you do that? I mean, increasingly, he's finding it tough to deliver. So it was a bit of a joke when he used to come down the order and just play three or four balls. The coverage would hype that up as well – 'What an innings.' And it lasted four balls."
"So that's not feasible anymore, and it was never going to be a long-term thing. So I can't pretend to know how Ruturaj felt when M.S. was on the field, but not captaining, as opposed to M.S. not being there and he being solely in charge," Manjrekar elaborated.
Broader Critique of CSK and Mumbai Indians
Expanding his analysis, Manjrekar compared CSK's approach with that of the Mumbai Indians, suggesting both franchises may be overly attached to established stars. "CSK and Mumbai Indians are slightly guilty of being emotionally connected and invested in the big-name, big-brand players a bit too much. CSK even more so with Dhoni. This means that you're not getting people who are in their prime. It's like living in the past a little bit."
"It's just about getting guys who are in their prime in T20 cricket. It's such a modern-day format, so it's best to be current with everything that you do with your team," he concluded, emphasizing the need for franchises to adapt to the evolving demands of T20 cricket.
