Wasim Jaffer criticised Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, as the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were eliminated from the playoffs race. On Thursday, May 21, the five-time champions lost to the Gujarat Titans (GT) by 89 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in their last league game.
While Jaffer opined that Gaikwad erred tactically in several instances, he hopes that the CSK management would give him a long rope as captain to maintain continuity next season.
“I think the intention will be there if you have a proven player and captain. But I think they should not change the captain. Yes, Gaikwad has not been tactically that great. The team combination is a concern. But we don’t know how much of a say he has had in that. But he will have to take ownership. If he has made the calls then these are tactical blunders. But I still feel they should show the continuity,” he said on his YouTube channel.
Jaffer mentioned that relieving Gaikwad of captaincy duties would not be a wrong move, but given how the CSK management operates, the Maharashtra batter might still be at the helm next season.
“Before 2023, CSK was the most successful franchise. Gaikwad’s captaincy has been a flop show, there is no doubt. If the captain also changes, then I feel it will not be wrong. But I think knowing CSK, they might continue with him,” he added.
During the post-match interview, Gaikwad said that MS Dhoni’s absence was a key factor behind CSK’s abysmal performance in IPL 2026. However, Jaffer slammed the 29-year-old for that statement.
“If you are still depending on Dhoni and saying that his presence would have made a difference, then what is the 11 and the rest of the squad doing? This is not the right thing to say. Anyways, Dhoni would have played a limited role considering his injury. I think collectively CSK have played bad cricket,” he stated.
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While CSK finished with only six wins in 14 matches, Gaikwad didn’t have a memorable time with the bat. In 14 matches, he scored 337 runs at an average of 28.08 and a strike rate of 123.45.
