Chennai Super Kings’ captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has not been at his best in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The right-handed batter has opened with Sanju Samson in the first four games and has only aggregated 56 runs at an average of 14 and a strike rate of 103.71.
Ahead of Chennai’s upcoming clash against the Kolkata Knight Riders at Chepauk on Tuesday, April 14, former Australian captain Aaron Finch suggested Gaikwad move down to No. 3 and allow Sanju Samson and Ayush Mhatre to open the batting as they can maximise the power play.
“Gaikwad, he just needs better intent at the top. I would put him back at No. 3, have Mhatre at the top and let him and Samson go nuts and say, ‘let’s maximise this power play’. But that’s up to them,” Finch said during a discussion on ESPNcricinfo.
The cricketer-turned-commentator, however, said that CSK are a team who do not make too many changes in a hurry. He also mentioned that Gaikwad getting back in form will be very crucial for the Men in Yellow.
“Looking at the last game, definitely, I would go with Mhatre. But knowing CSK, I don’t think they would do that. They’ll stick to their opening pair. And Gaikwad has done really well for them historically. And, being a captain, it’ll be really good for him to get back into form so that his confidence levels are up. Also, he would command that respect in the dressing room,” Finch added.
I think he just needs to make a couple of small technical changes: Finch on CSK’s out-of-form spinner
Noor Ahmad was the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2025, bagging 24 scalps in 14 matches. However, this season, he has only managed to take one wicket in four games and conceded runs at an economy rate of 11.31.
Finch backed the Afghanistan spinner to bounce back strongly and urged him to make a few technical changes.
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“Wrist spinners traditionally, particularly guys who have got good googlies, come onto the scene and have a great couple of years. And then as they get noticed more, they’ll struggle to then take the game to a new level. But I’ve got no doubt that he will. He’s a quality bowler. I think he just needs to make a couple of small technical changes. He’s just falling away a bit too much. So, his leg spin is not as effective now,” the former Australian captain said.
