Ruturaj Gaikwad in IPL 2026 (Source: AFP)
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) IPL 2026 campaign ended on a bitter note after the team suffered a massive 89-run defeat against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Thursday (May 21). Soon after the defeat and elimination from the tournament, CSK and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad were punished by the BCCI.
It is important to mention that CSK became the third team to be eliminated from IPL 2026. The Rishabh Pant-led LSG became the first team to be eliminated from the IPL 2026 playoffs, followed by Mumbai Indians.
Gujarat Titans outclass CSK in one-sided contest
The match turned into a nightmare for CSK as the Gujarat Titans dominated both with the bat and ball. After winning the toss, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad chose to bowl first, but GT’s top order completely controlled the innings from the beginning.
Openers Sai Sudharsan and captain Shubman Gill gave GT a flying start with a massive 125-run opening partnership. Sudharsan continued his brilliant form and smashed 84 runs off 53 balls, while Shubman Gill scored 64 runs from 37 balls at a strike rate of 172.97.
After the openers laid the foundation, Jos Buttler added the finishing touches in his own style. The star player remained unbeaten on 57 off only 27 balls. Gujarat Titans eventually finished with a huge total of 229/4 in 20 overs.
Also Read: Fastest Ball Of IPL 2026: Mohammed Siraj Breaks Speed Barrier Vs CSK With 155 KPH Scorcher
CSK collapse ends playoff hopes
Chasing the target, CSK got off to the worst possible start. Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson was dismissed for a golden duck on the very first ball of the innings after Mohammed Siraj forced an edge behind the stumps.
Shivam Dube played the only fighting knock for CSK (47 runs off 17 balls). However, he received no support from the other batters.
Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada and Rashid Khan starred with the ball for Gujarat Titans.
Ruturaj Gaikwad and CSK Team Penalised by BCCI
To make matters worse for CSK, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and the players were punished by the BCCI after the GT vs CSK match.
According to the official IPL statement, CSK was found guilty of maintaining a slow over-rate during the clash against Gujarat Titans.
As it was the team's second over-rate offence of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPL Code of Conduct, Ruturaj Gaikwad was fined Rs 24 lakh.
The remaining members of the playing XI, including the impact player, were fined either Rs 6 lakh or 25 per cent of their respective match fees, whichever amount was lower.
"Ruturaj Gaikwad, Captain, Chennai Super Kings, has been fined after his team maintained a slow over-rate during Match 66 of TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
As this was his team’s second offence (first offence in Match 18) of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which pertains to minimum over-rate offences, Gaikwad was fined INR 24 lakhs. The rest of the members of the Playing XI, including the Impact Player, will be fined either INR six lakhs or 25 per cent of their respective match fees, whichever is lesser," an IPL release said on Friday.
It is vital to note that earlier in the season, CSK committed a similar offence during their match against Delhi Capitals on April 11.
Also Read: How SRH Can Finish In Top 2 For IPL 2026 Playoffs?
