Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has opined that Ruturaj Gaikwad might have to vacate the opening slot for Ayush Mhatre in the ongoing IPL 2026 after CSK registered a 32-run win against KKR at Chennai on Tuesday. While Mhatre has impressed while batting at number three, Gaikwad is struggling with his form while opening the innings.
On Tuesday, the CSK skipper was dismissed after scoring seven runs off six balls against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. Gaikwad has managed only 63 runs in five matches of IPL 2026 and has failed to lead from the front.
On the other hand, Ayush Mhatre scored a blistering knock of 38 runs off just 17 balls against KKR. In the last game against Delhi Capitals, Mhatre scored a an impressive knock of 59 runs off 36 balls.
Chopra said Sanju Samson, Dewald Brevis, and Ayush Mhatre scoring runs was a positive for CSK.
“Sanju Samson, Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis, all of them scoring runs, that is good news. Ruturaj not scoring runs is a problem, and that problem is getting multiplied because Ayush Mhatre is batting so well. Mhatre scored 38 runs, but 36 runs came with fours and sixes,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
“They scored 72 runs in the first six overs and the opposing team scored only 36 in the Powerplay. That’s the difference in the end. Since Ayush Mhatre is at No. 3, he is constantly pushing that he will move up if Rutu vacates the spot. The captain might have to take that call sometime or other, and that is not too far,” he added.
The renowned commentator hailed CSK’s spin duo of Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad. While Ahmad returned with impressive figures of 3-23, Hosein bagged 1-26 in his quota of four overs.
“In my opinion, the biggest story is that spin is back. Chennai’s bowling is back. They have chosen a new formula, where they are going with two overseas spinners – Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad. They bowled eight overs and didn’t concede even seven (six) runs per over. This was brilliant. They took four wickets. They were outstanding,” he said.
Chennai Super Kings will next take on Sunrisers Hyderabad at Hyderabad on Saturday.
