Former Indian batter Subramaniam Badrinath has backed CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad to turn his form against Mumbai Indians in the ongoing IPL 2026. CSK will take on arch-rivals MI on Thursday at the Wankhede Stadium, and Badrinath reckons the Mumbai track will suit Gaikwad’s batting.

Gaikwad has managed only 82 runs in six matches at an average of 13.67 and a strike rate of 112.32 and thus he hasn’t been able to lead from the front in the ongoing season.

Badrinath said on his YouTube Channel, “Ruturaj Gaikwad might be best suited for the Wankhede wicket. He should return to form against MI. A big knock or a century from him will turn CSK’s fortunes around. One of Brevis, Sanju, or Ruturaj has to score a 100 for CSK to threaten MI.”

The former CSK batter said Spencer Johnson should be part of CSK’s playing XI if he is fit for selection.

“Matthew Short played the last game. But Spencer Johnson, if fit, should play. He’ll be the perfect fit at this time. But it’s unknown if he’s fully fit or not. Short is just there without much impact, playing at a 110 strike rate. But he’ll probably continue in the 11. They’ll again exclude Akeal Hosein, citing the presence of Quinton de Kock and Tilak Varma as left-handers. Though I would have played Akeal Hosein in the last match itself,” he stated.

Badrinath also backed Urvil Patel to replace Ayush Mhatre, who has been ruled out of the entire season due to a hamstring injury.

Badrinath’s predicted playing XI against MI: Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Urvil Patel, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, Matthew Short, Jamie Overton, Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Gurjapneet Singh.

Impact player: Mukesh Choudhary.