Chennai, April 2 (NationPress) The captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Ruturaj Gaikwad, expressed confidence in his youthful batting squad, asserting that they will enhance their performance as the season unfolds. This statement follows CSK's disappointing loss to the Rajasthan Royals in their inaugural match of the 2026 IPL, where they were dismissed for a mere 127 runs, leading to an eight-wicket defeat.

“The pitch was a bit challenging, and batting first meant we had to set a competitive total against their two skilled new-ball bowlers. This situation certainly put us at a disadvantage. Our team isn’t accustomed to playing on such surfaces in T20 matches,” Gaikwad noted during the pre-match briefing.

He also acknowledged that the playing conditions at Chepauk may fluctuate with the weather, particularly due to the presence of dew and moisture impacting the pitch during evening games. This is especially relevant after the pitches during the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup were notably favorable for batting.

“The pitch conditions largely hinge on the weather. The World Cup matches were held in February, which had minimal dew. Typically, Chennai's pitch performs well under optimal weather. However, at night, excessive dew and moisture can alter the conditions, especially in the latter stages of the innings. It's uncertain how it will play out this year. We need to adjust accordingly and gain experience over the course of our seven matches, hoping to maximize our performance regardless of pitch conditions,” he stated.

If the pitch proves to be more conducive to batting, Gaikwad mentioned that young player Kartik Sharma, who scored 18 runs off 15 balls in his IPL debut, has the potential to excel. “I’m very optimistic about our skills. Kartik possesses an exceptional ability to hit sixes, which is rare among right-handers. He is an outstanding addition to our team,” he remarked.

“Additionally, Urvil Patel boasts an impressive T20 record. Sarfaraz Khan is entering the season with strong recent T20 form. We also have Prashant Veer, a young talent still honing his skills in the T20 format but already showcasing remarkable abilities. The talent is undoubtedly present.

“Playing in the IPL comes with immense pressure from families, media, and teammates. Adjusting to this and performing at the IPL level requires time. It’s crucial to allow our young batsmen the opportunity to grow. Once this batting unit clicks, it will be something to watch out for,” he concluded.