Ruturaj Gaikwad's captaincy debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been full of ups and downs so far. Gaikwad, who took over the reigns from the legendary MS Dhoni on the eve of the IPL 2024 opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, has led CSK to four wins in his first eight games in charge. With four wins in their first six games, CSK were seemed to be heading into the right direction. However, crushing defeats to Lucknow Super Giants, home and away, in their last two games has put Gaikwad under a lot of pressure.
Fans and experts criticised him for their recent loss at home to LSG where Marcus Stoinis' power-hitting exposed CSK's bowling and Gaikwad's tactics.
According to MensXP, former CSK batter Ambati Rayudu had also criticised Gaikwad for his captaincy and field placements.
"Poor field placements in death overs by Ruturaj (Gaikwad). We clearly saw a lack of experience as captain," Rayudu had reportedly said on Star Sports.
The website even quoted that former India batter Navjot Singh Sidhu, during the same discussion, had argued that if everyone credits MS Dhoni for CSK's wins, then he should be one facing criticism for their defeats as well.
"If you credit Dhoni for CSK wins then blame him for the losses too. Dhoni is still the main think tank," Sidhu was quoted as saying.
However, Rayudu has rubbished the claims and denied making any such comments regarding Gaikwad, CSK or even Dhoni for that matter.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Ambati slammed the publication, saying: "I was not even commentating on the said day.. I was at my farm picking mangoes.. please be responsible when writing something.. don't spread nonsense."
After back to back defeats to LSG, CSK have now slipped out of the playoff places and currently fifth. They will now take on SRH on Sunday.