Leading Chennai Super Kings (CSK) into a new era, Ruturaj Gaikwad has firmly established himself as the franchise’s premier opener and captain. Since his debut in 2020, the stylish right-hander has consistently delivered, amassing 2502 runs in 71 matches, including two centuries and a very impressive batting average of over 40. Gaikwad won the Orange Cap in TATA IPL 2021 with 635 runs and played a crucial role in CSK’s title-winning campaign. He then produced two high run-scoring seasons in 2023 and 2024 as well, establishing himself as the five-time champions’ go-to batter. Gaikwad scored 590 runs in IPL 2024 at an average of 42.14 and 583 runs in IPL 2025 at a magnificent average of 53 and a top score of 108*. The 2025 season did not go as per plan as he was ruled out of the tournament after just five matches due to injury, with MS Dhoni taking back the captaincy for the rest of the season. Now back to full fitness and back in form, also getting his maiden ODI hundred for India in the process, captain Gaikwad will aim to take CSK back to winning ways and lead the run-scoring charts in the process as the franchise bids for a record sixth TATA IPL title.