Will Ruturaj Gaikwad Open For CSK in The Match Against PBKS In IPL 2025 Match?

The IPL 2025 season is reaching its climax, and the attention is on the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as they get set to take on the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a pivotal match. After starting the competition with a resounding victory over the Mumbai Indians, the five-time IPL champions have suddenly hit a wall, losing three consecutive matches and falling down the rankings.

With mounting expectations from supporters and cricket analysts, CSK are at a crossroads. It is a must win match for CSK if the team wishes to remain in contention for playoff qualification. The big question, however, involves a rather simple question:

Will Ruturaj Gaikwad Open for CSK Tonight?

Despite a strong start to the season, CSK’s momentum has recently nosedived, with their most recent games revealing flaws in their batting order, especially in the powerplay overs. The opening pair has not clicked the way fans have come to expect, while a couple of middle-order collapses has not alleviated the problems.

On the other hand, PBKS have two of their three matches to restore their own rhythm in the tournament, and they will certainly be looking to capitalize on CSK’s vulnerability.

Team Strategy: Why Gaikwad Is Not Opening in IPL 2025

There were passionate pleas on social media and from experts to have Ruturaj Gaikwad to open instead. However, the CSK captain has made clear his intentions, and Ruturaj Gaikwad is not going to open the batting, at least not in this game.

In his pre-match comments after winning the toss, the CSK captain explained:

“We are going with the same team. Me batting at 3 gives a little more balance to the squad. That was the thinking at the auction and we built our squad around that. We have been backing that, hopefully, our openers will come good tonight.”

“We are going with the same team. Me batting at 3 gives a little more balance to the squad. That was the thinking at the auction and we built our squad around that. We have been backing that, hopefully, our openers will come good tonight.”

This reveals that CSK’s game plan was structured around Gaikwad batting at No. 3 from the very beginning. The franchise has prioritized squad balance over individual roles, something they’ve historically done well.

Why Gaikwad at No. 3 Might Still Be a Smart Move

Aside from being well-rounded players, Ruturaj Gaikwad possesses the calmness and technique of stroke play and can anchor innings, an important skill at No. 3. If wickets start to fall, Gaikwad can stabilize; if the openers get going, he can play more aggressively and build off the openers setting a solid foundation.

As for the openers, I’m guessing Devon Conway or Shivam Dube will be opening, which means the intent is to try to be aggressive early, and then suit Gaikwad’s role off the openers and the game from that position.