The GT vs CSK IPL 2026 playoff race ended in dramatic fashion as Gujarat Titans delivered a complete domination over Chennai Super Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Gujarat crushed Chennai by 89 runs in Match 66 of the IPL 2026, officially ending CSK’s hopes of reaching the playoffs.
The victory pushed Gujarat Titans to 18 points and secured a top two finish in the league table. Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings finished their campaign with only 12 points from 14 matches.
For fans asking “Is Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026,” the answer is now clear. Not only are Gujarat in the playoffs, but they also enter Qualifier 1 with massive momentum.
Gill and Sudharsan Destroyed CSK Early
After winning the toss, Chennai Super Kings decided to bowl first. However, that decision quickly turned into a nightmare as Gujarat’s openers completely dominated the powerplay.
Captain Shubman Gill looked aggressive from the very beginning. He attacked the CSK bowlers with clean strokeplay and reached his fifty in just 23 balls. Gill eventually scored 64 runs from 37 deliveries, including seven fours and three sixes.
Sai Sudharsan once again showed why he has been one of the most consistent batters this season. He anchored the innings beautifully before increasing the scoring rate later. Sudharsan finished with 84 runs off 53 balls and registered his fifth consecutive half century of IPL 2026.
The opening partnership of 125 runs completely shifted the match in Gujarat’s favor.
Jos Buttler Finished the Job Perfectly
After the openers built the platform, Jos Buttler walked in and played a powerful finishing role.
The England star smashed an unbeaten 57 off just 27 balls with five boundaries and four sixes. His aggressive hitting during the death overs pushed Gujarat Titans to a massive total of 229 for 4 in 20 overs.
At that stage, Chennai Super Kings already looked under serious pressure because the target was extremely difficult in such a high stakes match.
Mohammed Siraj Crushed CSK’s Chase
The biggest reason behind how Gujarat Titans eliminated Chennai Super Kings was the destructive opening spell from Mohammed Siraj.
Siraj struck with the very first ball of the innings by dismissing Sanju Samson for a duck. The early wicket immediately shocked the CSK dressing room.
Ruturaj Gaikwad tried to respond with attacking shots, including two sixes, but Siraj cleaned him up with a sharp delivery. Just two balls later, Urvil Patel also fell, leaving Chennai struggling badly at 29 for 3.
Kagiso Rabada added more pressure by removing Matt Short during the powerplay. Chennai were reduced to 51 for 4 within six overs, and the chase was almost over by then.
Rashid and Rabada Completed the Collapse
Shivam Dube tried to fight back with an explosive 47 off 17 balls, but he received no support from the other batters.
Rashid Khan controlled the middle overs brilliantly and picked up three wickets for just 18 runs. His tight bowling stopped CSK from building any momentum.
Rabada later cleaned up the tail and finished with three wickets as Chennai were bowled out for 140 in only 13.4 overs.
The 89 run defeat became the biggest loss by runs in Chennai Super Kings history. Gujarat Titans, meanwhile, sent a powerful message to every team in IPL 2026 with one of their most complete performances of the season.
