Gujarat Titans Crush CSK by 89 Runs, Knock Five-Time Champions Out of IPL 2026 Playoff Race

Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) IPL 2026 campaign ended in disappointment on Thursday as they suffered a heavy 89-run defeat against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium, a result that officially eliminated them from the playoff race. The Titans, meanwhile, delivered a dominant all-round performance that pushed them closer to a top-two finish in the standings.

Electing to bat first after losing the toss, Gujarat Titans made an explosive start. Openers Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan put CSK under immediate pressure with a commanding 125-run partnership for the first wicket. Gill scored a fluent 64 off 37 balls, while Sudharsan anchored the innings with a stylish 84 off 53 deliveries.

The momentum continued as Jos Buttler added late fireworks, smashing an unbeaten 57 off just 27 balls, including five boundaries and four towering sixes. His aggressive finish powered Gujarat Titans to a massive total of 229 for 4 in 20 overs.

Chasing 230, CSK’s innings collapsed early. They suffered a nightmare start when Sanju Samson was dismissed for a golden duck on the very first ball. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad managed only a brief 16-run stay at the crease as Gujarat’s bowlers struck early blows to dismantle the top order.

Mohammed Siraj led the bowling attack with precision, taking key early wickets and putting CSK on the back foot. Although Shivam Dube offered resistance with a blistering 47 off 17 balls, the rest of the batting lineup failed to support him.

CSK were eventually bowled out for just 140 in 13.4 overs, falling well short of the target. Gujarat’s bowling unit dominated the innings, with Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, and Rashid Khan each claiming three wickets to dismantle the five-time champions.

The comprehensive victory not only strengthened Gujarat Titans’ position in the playoff race but also confirmed their likely top-two finish, giving them a crucial advantage in the knockout stage.

For CSK, however, the defeat marked the end of a disappointing campaign, exposing inconsistencies in both batting and bowling throughout the season and bringing their IPL 2026 journey to a premature close.

Team Maverick