Ruturaj Gaikwad (opener for Chennai Super Kings) has had a disappointing start to IPL 2026, registering scores of 6, 28, 7, and 15, with a strike rate of 103.70. Analysts Aaron Finch and Wasim Jaffer discussed his performance on ESPNcricinfo's TimeOut show, highlighting the need for Gaikwad to adopt a more aggressive approach. Jaffer believes Gaikwad must take more risks, especially as an opener, to provide a strong start for his team. Finch pointed out that Gaikwad's mindset needs to shift from focusing solely on accumulating runs to considering how he can impact the game effectively and quickly. Gaikwad's struggles are compounded by his injury-plagued season in IPL 2025, which limited his play. While he has previously topped 400 runs in three seasons and scored two centuries, his strike rate has rarely crossed 150. Analysts stress that Gaikwad has the potential to change his game, similar to how other players have evolved their strategies over time.