Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2026 campaign had the feel of a rollercoaster: early setbacks, a mid-season lift, and then a late fade that left them just short of the playoffs. After starting with three defeats, CSK steadied their ship and won six matches to keep their hopes alive. But those hopes ended on Thursday when Ruturaj Gaikwad’s team lost their final three outings, finishing outside the top places.
CSK miss the playoffs after late collapse
- Chennai chased a target of 230 but were bowled out for 140 in 13.4 overs.
- The 89-run margin became CSK’s biggest defeat in the IPL.
- CSK’s previous heaviest losses in the tournament were by 60 runs against MI (Mumbai WS) in 2013, 54 runs against PBKS (Brabourne) in 2022, 50 runs against RCB (Chennai) in 2025, and 46 runs against MI (Chennai) in 2019.
Gaikwad pointed to the challenge of chasing a high total against a strong bowling unit. He said that when you are chasing 230 it is never straightforward against that Gujarat Titans attack, adding that the pitch offered a “spongy” start and that CSK’s own bowling struggled during the powerplay. He also noted that the team had opportunities to rein in the opposition and keep them under the 200 mark, but they were unable to do so.
Reflecting on the wider run of the season, Gaikwad described the final stretch as a “catch-up” situation. After dropping three games in a row, he said the side found momentum and the right matchups, but injuries changed their balance. He highlighted the impact of Ramakrishna Ghosh and Jamie Overton going out, and said that in the last three matches CSK were always short by at least one batter or one bowler.
Gaikwad also framed IPL 2026 as a transition year for CSK. He explained that more than eight players had featured in fewer than 20 matches, which helped the team identify areas that need strengthening. He still underlined the positives, including six away wins, and expressed pride in the unit’s effort across the season.
On the squad’s evolution, the CSK captain said the franchise has moved on from Ajinkya Rahane and Ambati Rayudu, citing the experience they had with the group. He pointed to Karthik Sharma, Urvil Patel, and Dewald Brevis as part of the next phase, describing Karthik Sharma as having potential with clear areas to improve, and saying that Urvil Patel playing a full season for the first time brings expectations along with it.
Dhoni’s future stays a mystery
Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s IPL 2026 continued the long-running “will he or won’t he” storyline, with the former captain not featuring in a single match—an unprecedented blank year in his 19-season IPL run. Even so, Gaikwad offered no clear direction when asked about Dhoni’s plans as the 45-year-old approaches the next chapter.
Gaikwad’s response was brief and pointed: “You and I will get to know it next year,” a line that left only one conclusion—Dhoni keeps his own counsel. The CSK captain added that only Dhoni knows how he thinks, even if his recent contributions with the bat have not been as visible.
Gaikwad stressed the value of Dhoni in the late overs, suggesting that he can alter the tone of a chase simply by staying at the crease. He said the team does not know what the next season holds, but he expressed satisfaction with the group they already have.
Gill praises consistent bowling and personal mindset
Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill, meanwhile, credited his bowlers for hitting their lengths consistently. He acknowledged that an occasional ball can go over the ropes, but said the key is backing your line and length. Gill also spoke about his batting approach, stating that every time he gets out, he feels he could have done better.
