Gaikwad was one of the two CSK players who had tested positive for COVID-19 in the last week of August along with 11 other members of the team’s contingent in UAE. He is yet to test negative for the virus as he returned positive in the latest round of testing. The middle-order batsman has been in quarantine for over two weeks now and will continue to remain in isolation until he tests negative. He is expected to recover soon and enter the bio-bubble in the team’s hotel. He was being considered as one of the candidates to take Suresh Raina’s spot in the playing XI after the CSK vice-captain pulled out of the tournament due to personal reasons. However, the youngster will have to wait for his opportunities now.