Eshan Malinga vs Ruturaj Gaikwad — IPL 2026 Fantasy Cricket Stats Comparison

Eshan Malinga vs Ruturaj Gaikwad is one of the most searched cricket comparisons, combining international career stats with IPL fantasy data. Both players bring different strengths to your XI, and the right choice can be the difference between topping the leaderboard or missing out.

Eshan Malinga is a specialist bowler for Sunrisers Hyderabad, priced at 9 Cr this season. Over 14 matches in IPL 2026, he has scored a total of 615 fantasy points, averaging 44 pts per game with a best of 119 pts. With the bat he has accumulated 7 IPL runs at a strike rate of 41.2, and has claimed 19 IPL wickets with an economy of 8.90. He has won Man of the Match 1 time this season.

International career: Eshan Malinga has scored 1 T20I runs in 8 matches at an average of 1.00 internationally. He has also taken 8 T20I wickets at an average of 26.88 with an economy of 9.42.

Ruturaj Gaikwad is a specialist batter for Chennai Super Kings, priced at 9 Cr. Across 14 matches in IPL 2026, he has earned 628 fantasy points, averaging 45 pts per game with a best of 139 pts. He has scored 337 IPL runs at a strike rate of 123.4. He has won 1 MOTM award this season.

International career: Ruturaj Gaikwad has scored 633 T20I runs in 22 matches at an average of 42.20, with 1 century internationally.

Batting edge: Ruturaj Gaikwad leads with the bat this season, making them the better pick if the pitch is expected to be batting-friendly or if the match is being played on a flat track.

Bowling edge: Eshan Malinga has been the more impactful bowler in IPL 2026, and becomes especially valuable in conditions that offer pace or spin movement.

Fantasy Impact: From a pure fantasy perspective, Ruturaj Gaikwad is the stronger pick right now with an average of 45 pts per game and a best score of 139 pts. The value-for-money metric (points per credit) further reinforces this — always check this number before finalising your captain or vice-captain choice.

Captaincy Recommendation: Based on IPL 2026 season form, Ruturaj Gaikwad is the safer captaincy option. However, if the opposition's bowling or batting lineup suits the other player, consider rotating your captain pick. Always check the playing XI, pitch report, and toss result before locking in your captain.

Stats are updated after every IPL 2026 match. Compare more players using our Player Comparison Tool or check the Fantasy Leaderboard to see how top managers are building their teams.