R Ashwin's Honest Take on Ruturaj Gaikwad's CSK Captaincy & the "Dhoni Shadow" | IPL 2026

Join R Ashwin and Yash Jha as they dissect the current state of Ruturaj Gaikwad's game in IPL 2026. With Gaikwad stepping into the massive shoes of MS Dhoni, the duo discusses the mental and tactical hurdles of being the captain of the Chennai Super Kings. Key Discussion Points: The Dhoni Factor: How Gaikwad is navigating life under the long shadow of a legend and managing the weight of constant comparisons. Tactical Shifts: Ashwin’s take on why the current CSK captain is turning to his spinners less frequently than his predecessors. Batting in a "Shell": Is the pressure of leading a legacy-heavy team affecting Gaikwad's natural stroke play and causing him to contract his game? Character over Commodity: Ashwin explains why identifying leaders who can respond under pressure is becoming increasingly difficult in the modern game. Watch as one of cricket's finest minds shares his firsthand perspective on what it takes to lead in the IPL and why patience is the most critical ingredient for Gaikwad's long-term success. #IPL2026 #RuturajGaikwad #RAshwin #CSK #CricketStrategy #Leadership #MSDhoni #ESPNcricinfoAbout Channel: 🏏 Stay updated with the latest T20I, ODI and Test match highlights, cricket match news, and in-depth analysis from the most exciting cricket tournaments. Subscribe to ESPNcricinfo now and unlock a world of exclusive cricket content to catch every boundary, every wicket, and every unforgettable moment of the T20I, ODIs, Test, Domestic and International Matches Subscribe to our YouTube channel:    / espncricinfo   Get more cricket updates at: https://www.espncricinfo.com/ You can also find us at:   / cricinfo     / espncricinfo     / espncricinfo   Download Android and iOS Apps for more cricket news & updates: Android: https://bit.ly/2vFVfzX iOS: https://apple.co/2vGj8rg