Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffered a crushing 89-run defeat at the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the final league game to crash out of the IPL playoff race. CSK blew hot and cold in the season and finished seventh after losing eight out of the 14 games. The defeat must have hurt the team, but that was not the only bad news for the team. After the match, the BCCI took strong action against Ruturaj Gaikwad and the team’s slow over rate during the innings. As a result, Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was fined 24 lakhs, while the rest of the team, including the impact player, were fined 25 percent of the match fee or six lakhs, whichever is 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 offense (first offense 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.
Meanwhile, CSK entered the game with hopes of a strong outing, but they were totally outplayed by the Gujarat Titans. Batting first, the Titans posted 229-4, courtesy of 89 by Sai Sudharsan, 64 by Shubman Gill and 57 not out by Jos Buttler. In reply, CSK were bowled out for a mere 140, with Mohammed Siraj, Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada taking three wickets each.
Update on MS Dhoni
Meanwhile, this was a rare season for CSK where MS Dhoni didn’t play a single game due to injuries. The fans were keenly waiting for Gaikwad to provide an update on MS Dhoni and if he’ll play the next season, but the captain left everyone guessing with a cryptic response.
“It’s a hard miss for us. He can come in during those late overs and change the game just by staying at the crease. Never know about next season, but really happy with the guys we have,” he said.
Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans have already qualified for the playoffs, while Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders are in the hunt for the last spot.
