IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans seal top-two finish and land knockout punch as CSK suffer humiliating exit

Match overview

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffered a painful exit from IPL 2026 as Gujarat Titans (GT) hammered them by 89 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 21 and ensured themselves a top-two finish. Nothing went CSK's way other than the toss, and that also didn't have any bearing in the broader context of the game. 

Titans captain Shubman Gill, though, wanted to bowl first like Ruturaj Gaikwad; he wasn't much perturbed with the fact that they were asked to set a score, as he felt that dew wasn't going to play a role.

The Shubman Gill-Sai Sudharsan pair did what it does best. Gill showcased his imperious touch in the second over of the game when he punched one on the up and through the covers for a four and topped it off with a straight drive to collect 15 runs off Spencer Johnson's first over.

The Titans captain utilised the field restrictions to his advantage and played aerial strokes over the infield on the off-side to deal in fours against the pacers. He smoked two gigantic sixes over midwicket to bring a 23-ball fifty. On the other hand, Sudharsan was content with playing second fiddle to his captain and relied mainly on rotation of strike with occasional boundaries at regular intervals.

The opening pair registered their seventh century stand, a record in the lucrative tournament. Gill then fell while trying to up the ante as he top-edged a whip against Johnson and was caught by Shivam Dube.

Jos Buttler and Sudharsan then took control and didn't allow CSK to get back in the contest. They stitched an 82-run stand for the second wicket and effectively shut the door down on CSK's face. Sudharsan finished on 84 off 57 balls, laced with seven boundaries and four sixes. Meanwhile, Buttler remained unbeaten on 57 off 27 to help Titans post an imposing total of 229.

In reply, CSK came out with a new opening pair of Sanju Samson and Matt Short, but it hardly made a difference as Player of the Match (POTM) Mohammed Siraj nicked Samson off the first ball and set the cat amongst the pigeons. Gaikwad tried to bat with intent and looked good for a short period before Siraj cleaned him up. Siraj picked up his third by dismissing Urvil Patel to leave CSK reeling at 29/3.

Short also looked comfortable in his preferred slot, but couldn't score more than 24. Barring Shivam Dube (47 off 17), no other CSK batter stepped up to the task, and his knock only delayed the inevitable. Anshul Kamboj (19 off 8) played an entertaining cameo before Titans rolled them over for 140 in 13.4 overs.

Siraj (3/26), Kagiso Rabada (3/32) and Rashid Khan (3/18) picked up three wickets apiece and ensured a clinical finish for Titans.

Top run-scorer of the match

Top wicket-taker of the match

Player of the Match

Mohammed Siraj

Siraj had his tail up right from the get-go. The right-arm seamer landed a telling blow on CSK's chances instantly by dismissing Sanju Samson on the first ball. He made further inroads by getting rid of Urvil Patel and Ruturaj Gaikwad, and basically killed CSK's run chase in the powerplay.

Turning Point

Siraj's spell was the turning point in the game. It's rare to witness such a commanding spell of fast bowling on a superb batting deck, and therefore it was fitting that Siraj was adjudged the Player of the Match (POTM).

What the captains said

Winning Team Captain, Shubman Gill (GT)

Important win. Happy to go in with the momentum we have. Even the first two games we played were close. We knew we were competitive, needed 5% which we got in the Delhi game. Our bowlers hit lengths consistently, odd ball will go over the rope but it's about backing your lengths. Happy with my batting, every time you're out you think you could've done better. Catching was much better, hope we continue. [Dube shush celebration] When you're playing a high-emotion game, it comes out. Neck's okay. Have to keep up with the good things. Need to maintain intent and impact in the playoffs. After 12 games, we were No. 1 last season, same this time. We lost last two last season. There was some deja vu but I don't think we've done much different this season. We've been consistently No. 1 or 2. Very grateful for fans who turn up and support us. Sides like RCB and CSK will have an edge, nothing will change in that matter.

Losing Team Captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK)

We wanted to chase whatever the total is asap. When you're chasing 230, it's not easy against that bowling attack. Thought why don't we give it a shot and express ourselves, credit to them. Wicket was spongy to start, they started well. Our bowling wasn't good in the powerplay. Hard to stop their openers. We had our chance to restrict them under 200, failed to do it. Tough season, after a hat-trick of losses first up. We found momentum, we found the right spots and combinations, but then were hit by injuries. Ghosh and Overton going out unsettled us, we were a batter or bowler short in the last three games. Not many people buy the fact that we are a young team in transition , with a lot of inexperienced players. More than 8-10 players have played less than 20 games, they've gotten exposure, we've found out what areas we're lacking. We still got six away wins, proud of the unit. We missed out on chasing 80 in 10 in Hyderabad and couldn't restrict them in Chennai. Not able to do that. Still proud. Moving on from Rahane, Rayudu, etc the experience we had is tough... Karthik, Urvil and Brevis, who missed out initially, are there. Karthik has potential, has areas to improve. Urvil's playing a full season for the first time, that comes with expectations. [Dhoni] You and I'll get to know it next year. It's a hard miss for us. He can come in those late overs and change the game just by staying in the crease. Never know about next season but really happy with the guys we have.