Fans brutally bashed Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad as soon as the reports of Kolkata Knight Riders entering Hardik Pandya trade talks emerged. Notably, according to sports journalist, Rohit Juglan, the Knight Riders have taken a surprise entry, giving the Mumbai Indians-Chennai Super Kings a fresh twist. Per Juglan, Pandya is expected to move to the Knight Riders at the helm of the team, considering they have a vacant spot following the retirement of former skipper Ajinkya Rahane a few days ago.
This report has taken the entire MI-CSK trade fiasco to a whole new level, leaving fans disappointed. Notably, Gaikwad has failed to prove himself as the skipper of the team, and fans have demanded that he should be removed from the position. In fact, since Stephen Fleming left the franchise after 18 years of association, the talks of replacing Gaikwad have only intensified. Amidst all the chaos, there were reports that the Mumbai Indians were looking for a suitable potential trade for Pandya following his failure as the side’s captain as well as rumours of rift between him and rest of the players.
Per media sources, the Indians demanded Khaleel Ahmed, cash, and Shivam Dube instead of Pandya. While Pandya failed to prove his mettle following his return to former franchise, he has had a memorable stint with the Gujarat Titans and is still considered one of the greatest all-rounders of modern-day cricket. However, cutting short to the latest development, there are rumours that Pandya only agreed to trade if he is offered captaincy and Gaikwad has refused to step down from his role, leading to Mumbai pursuing potential trade talks with Kolkata.
Fans Slam Ruturaj Gaikwad After Rumours of him Stepping Down from Captaincy Surface
Following such reports, fans didn’t mince their words and brutally came against Gaikwad, slamming him for not stepping down, and within no time, he started to trend on X. Here’s how they reacted-
From "No two consecutive IPL finals have ever been played without MS Dhoni" to three straight seasons without a playoff qualification under Ruturaj Gaikwad. Yet CSK still wants him to lead the side in 2027, and he doesn't seem willing to step aside either. pic.twitter.com/IoSKVQq2jv
— ` (@Itz_f7ame) August 6, 2026
CSK is a shit right now in IPL - Hardik Pandya was available for trade But CSK was behaving like current champions - CSK was not giving Capataincy to Hardik - CSK was not giving Shivam Dube+ Ayush Mahtre - CSK was not giving Shivam Dube+ Brevis - CSK was not giving Shivam… pic.twitter.com/73s1u63SAL
— Raja (@_raja_kumar) August 6, 2026
Hardik pandya Agreed to join CSK as a captain only. Ruturaj Gaikwad refused to step down from Captaincy. pic.twitter.com/cDwwFOkszG
— sabas csk (@saba9361) August 6, 2026
If Ruturaj Gaikwad remains the captain of csk in 2027 And if @ChennaiIPL let it go hardik so mann i am done with this Franchise they are not serious Woodon spoon Again loading 💔
— Aditya Singh (@aadi_tiger_7) August 6, 2026
In my opinion, CSK should have an honest discussion with Ruturaj Gaikwad regarding the captaincy if the franchise is serious about bringing in Hardik Pandya. Many CSK fans believe Hardik is the ideal leader for the next phase of the team.#CSK #HardikPandya #IPL
— Vishal Yadav (@VishalY73709681) August 6, 2026
Notably, Gaikwad was named the captain of the side after former skipper MS Dhoni decided to step down from the role ahead of 2024 season.
