Chennai Super Kings’ disappointing IPL 2026 campaign ended on another low after a crushing 89-run defeat against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The heavy loss marked CSK’s eighth defeat in 14 matches and officially knocked the five-time champions out of the playoff race.
Following the defeat, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin shared his thoughts on CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad’s difficult season, suggesting that the pressure of leadership may have negatively impacted the opener’s batting performances throughout the tournament. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said Gaikwad appeared weighed down by captaincy responsibilities during IPL 2026.
“Ruturaj’s issue this year has been the pressure of captaincy which has swallowed him up. He just kept sinking deeper and deeper,” Ravichandran Ashwin said.
The veteran spinner also proposed two possible solutions for the Chennai Super Kings heading into next season. According to Ashwin, the franchise could either appoint a new captain or provide stronger mental support to help Gaikwad play with more freedom.
ALSO READ: Dinesh Karthik Says RCB Will Not Take SRH Clash Lightly Ahead Of Playoffs
“CSK have the option of freeing Ruturaj by changing the captain. Sanju is new to the franchise, and a conversation needs to happen with him,” Ravichandran Ashwin added. “The second option is backing Ruturaj completely and reminding him that when he goes out to bat, he doesn’t need to carry the burden of captaincy every single moment,” he explained.
On the field, the Gujarat Titans completely dominated the contest after posting a massive 229/4 in 20 overs. Openers Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan laid the perfect platform with a commanding partnership at the top of the order. Gill played aggressively from the beginning and smashed 64 off 37 balls, while Sudharsan continued his exceptional form with a superb 84 off 53 deliveries.
Jos Buttler then accelerated brilliantly in the death overs, remaining unbeaten on 57 from just 27 balls to push GT beyond the 220-run mark.
ALSO READ: Dodda Ganesh Slams Ajit Agarkar Over Auqib Nabi’s Omission From India Test Squad
In response, CSK’s chase collapsed almost immediately. Mohammed Siraj removed Sanju Samson with the very first ball of the innings before dismissing Ruturaj Gaikwad and Urvil Patel shortly after. Siraj’s fiery spell completely derailed Chennai’s hopes during the powerplay.
Shivam Dube briefly entertained the crowd with a blistering 47 off only 17 balls, smashing four fours and four sixes in an aggressive counterattack. However, his innings ended after a sensational diving catch from Shubman Gill off Rashid Khan’s bowling. Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada both finished with three wickets each as Chennai Super Kings were bowled out for just 140 in 13.4 overs, suffering one of the heaviest defeats in franchise history.
