“Over-Concerned and Off-Track”: Dejected CSK Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad Slams Team After Third Consecutive Loss

After Chennai Super Kings’ 24-run defeat to Delhi Capitals, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad expresses frustration over powerplay failures and lack of collective intent.

April 6, 2025: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad did not mince words following his team’s third consecutive defeat in the IPL 2025, this time a 24-run loss to Delhi Capitals (DC) at Chepauk on Saturday. A visibly dejected Gaikwad pointed to recurring issues in both the powerplay and middle overs, saying the team has been “over-concerned” and tentative, leading to a slide down to eighth place in the points table.

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“Since the last few games, it’s not really going our way,” Gaikwad said at the post-match presentation. “We are trying to improve, trying our best, but again, it’s the same story. Too many wickets lost early, and we’ve been giving away 15-20 extra runs with the ball.”

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On the powerplay struggles, the CSK skipper admitted that both batters and bowlers were playing it too safe. “Whoever is bowling is a bit over-concerned or hesitant. And while batting, we don’t want to lose wickets but end up playing too cautiously. It’s about being positive and staying on the front foot.”

Also Read: IPL 2025: Delhi Capitals Outclass CSK by 24 Runs to Seal Third Straight Win in IPL 2025

CSK’s chase of 184 never really took off. At 74/5, the pressure had mounted, and the side was left playing catch-up. Though Vijay Shankar (69* off 54) and MS Dhoni (30* off 26) stitched an 84-run stand, it proved insufficient as the Men in Yellow finished on 158/5, falling short by 24 runs.

Gaikwad acknowledged the quality of DC’s bowling, especially the way they used the Chepauk surface. “They bowled really well. Even when Shivam (Dube) was in, we couldn’t find momentum. Since the powerplay, we’ve always been playing catch-up,” he said.

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Match Summary:

• DC 183/6 (20 overs)
  • KL Rahul: 77 (51)
  • Abishek Porel: 33 (20)
  • Stubbs: 24* (12)
  • Khaleel Ahmed (CSK): 2/25
• CSK 158/5 (20 overs)
  • Vijay Shankar: 69* (54)
  • MS Dhoni: 30* (26)
  • Vipraj Nigam (DC): 2/27
  • Mitchell Starc: 1/27
  • Kuldeep Yadav: 1/30

Player of the Match: KL Rahul

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🏷️ Tags:
CSK vs DC, Ruturaj Gaikwad, MS Dhoni, IPL 2025, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, KL Rahul, Powerplay struggles, CSK batting issues, IPL match analysis, Chepauk Stadium, CSK team performance, IPL captain reactions