IPL2026 : Gujarat Titans Crush Chennai Super Kings to Seal Playoff Blow
Gujarat Titans officially knocked Chennai Super Kings out of the IPL with a thumping 89-run victory in Ahmedabad on Thursday. The emphatic win also slightly boosted the playoff hopes of Kolkata Knight Riders, who now need Punjab Kings to stumble in their remaining matches.
Batting first, Gujarat piled up a daunting 229/4 with a breathtaking display of power-hitting. In reply, Chennai crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for just 140.
The defeat left Gujarat on 18 points as they continue their battle with Royal Challengers Bengaluru for a top-two finish. Chennai ended their disappointing campaign on 12 points. Remarkably, for the first time in IPL history, fans did not get to see Mahendra Singh Dhoni play a single match in the tournament.
After winning the toss, Chennai opted to bowl first, but the decision backfired almost immediately. Gujarat openers Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill unleashed a batting masterclass from the outset. Chennai bowlers Mukesh Choudhary, Spencer Johnson and Anshul Kamboj looked completely ineffective against the relentless assault.
Gill raced to his half-century in just 23 balls, registering his fifth consecutive fifty of the season. Sudharsan soon joined the party as the duo stitched together yet another memorable partnership. Their opening stand yielded 125 runs before Gill departed for a sparkling 64 off 37 balls, decorated with seven fours and three sixes.
Jos Buttler then walked in and continued the carnage alongside Sudharsan. The elegant left-hander looked set for a century but fell for a superb 84 off 53 deliveries, smashing seven fours and four sixes. Buttler remained unbeaten on a blistering 57 from just 27 balls, ensuring Gujarat crossed the 225-run mark comfortably.
Chennai’s chase began disastrously. Mohammed Siraj struck off the very first ball as Sanju Samson edged behind to Buttler for a duck. Chennai’s fortunes this season had often depended on Samson’s form, and his early dismissal visibly shattered their confidence.
Siraj added two more wickets in his next over, dismissing Ruturaj Gaikwad and Urvil Patel cheaply. Opener Matthew Short showed some intent with a brisk 24 but failed to convert his start.
At that stage, Chennai desperately needed a substantial partnership, but none arrived. Shivam Dube briefly revived hopes with a fearless counterattack, smashing four fours and four sixes in a rapid 47 off just 17 balls. However, once he departed, Chennai’s resistance completely faded.
The dismissal of Dewald Brevis for 8 ended the final flicker of hope as Gujarat wrapped up a dominant and one-sided victory.

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