Sudharsan’s 87, Buttler-Gill Support Power Gujarat Titans to 8-Wicket Win Over CSK

Chennai, April 2026: A commanding batting display from Gujarat Titans’ top order powered them to a convincing eight-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday. Chasing a target of 159, Gujarat completed the task with ease, reaching 162/2 in just 16.4 overs with 20 balls to spare.

The chase was anchored by an outstanding knock from Sai Sudharsan, who smashed 87 off 46 balls, while Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler provided strong support to ensure a clinical finish.

Gujarat got off to a brisk start despite some early discipline from the Chennai bowlers. Gill looked in sublime touch, taking the attack to the opposition with elegant strokeplay, including three towering sixes in his 33 off 23 balls. Sudharsan complemented him perfectly as the duo stitched together a rapid opening partnership, guiding the Titans to 55 without loss in the Power-play.

Chennai found a brief opening when Gill was stumped off Noor Ahmad following sharp work behind the stumps by Sanju Samson. However, any hopes of a comeback were short-lived.

Sudharsan and Buttler quickly seized control of the chase. The left-hander continued his excellent form, bringing up a fluent half-century in just 33 balls and dominating both pace and spin with authority. Buttler, after a cautious start, shifted gears effectively, finding boundaries at regular intervals and ensuring the required run rate remained comfortably under control.

The duo stitched together a match-defining partnership, with Sudharsan particularly aggressive against Akeal Hosein, dispatching him for multiple sixes. Chennai’s fielding lapses further compounded their problems, as Gujarat capitalised fully on the chances offered.

Sudharsan’s brilliant innings came to an end at 87, featuring four boundaries and seven sixes, when he was caught in the deep by Dewald Brevis. By then, however, the match was firmly in Gujarat’s grasp.

Buttler ensured there were no late hiccups, remaining unbeaten on 39 and finishing the match in style with a straight six, underlining Gujarat’s dominance.

Earlier, Chennai Super Kings had posted 158/7 after recovering from a shaky start. The pitch offered variable bounce, making strokeplay challenging early on. The top order struggled against disciplined bowling from Gujarat, with early wickets putting them under pressure.

A crucial partnership between Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube helped stabilise the innings. The pair focused on rebuilding, rotating strike efficiently before accelerating in the latter stages. Dube’s positive intent, particularly against pace, helped Chennai regain some momentum.

Despite their efforts, Chennai’s total proved insufficient against a well-rounded Gujarat batting unit. The Titans’ top order once again demonstrated consistency and firepower, making light work of the chase and reaffirming their status as one of the most formidable batting line-ups in the tournament.

With this emphatic win, Gujarat Titans bounced back strongly after consecutive losses, while Chennai Super Kings were left to rue missed opportunities and lapses in execution.

Brief Scores:
Chennai Super Kings 158/7 (20 overs) — Ruturaj Gaikwad 74*, Shivam Dube 22; Kagiso Rabada 3/25, Arshad Khan 2/43
Gujarat Titans 162/2 (16.4 overs) — Sai Sudharsan 87, Jos Buttler 39*; Noor Ahmad 1/29, Akeal Hosein 1/46
Gujarat Titans won by 8 wickets.