Gujarat Titans secure top-two finish with dominant win over Chennai Super Kings
A comprehensive 89-run victory at the Narendra Modi Stadium ensures Gujarat Titans finish in the top two, while Chennai Super Kings are officially removed from contention.
Gujarat Titans have secured a top-two finish in the Indian Premier League 2026 standings after defeating Chennai Super Kings by 89 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The result officially eliminates Chennai Super Kings from the playoff race and completes a season double for Gujarat Titans over their rivals. The victory consolidates Gujarat’s position at the summit of the league table, ending their campaign with nine wins and five defeats from 14 matches.
Gujarat Titans posted a formidable total of 229 for 4 after winning the toss and electing to bat first. Captain Shubman Gill led the charge with 64 runs off 37 deliveries, supported by Sai Sudharsan’s fluent 84 off 53 balls. Jos Buttler provided late acceleration with an unbeaten 57 off just 23 balls, ensuring the target was set at a challenging level for the Chennai Super Kings chase.
Chennai Super Kings’ reply collapsed under pressure, with the side slumping to 29 for 3 early in their innings. Mohammed Siraj was the standout bowler for Gujarat Titans, claiming 3 for 26, including the dismissal of Sanju Samson off the first ball and the cheap removal of captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. The early wickets prevented Chennai from establishing any significant platform before Shivam Dube began a counter-attack.
Dube scored 47 runs off 17 balls, including four sixes and four boundaries, briefly offering hope for a chase. However, the innings was effectively ended when Gill took a spectacular diving catch to dismiss Dube. The catch, taken while sprinting backward from the cover region, silenced the home crowd and marked a pivotal moment in the contest, as confirmed by reports from the venue.
Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada cleaned up the lower order after Dube’s dismissal, leaving Chennai Super Kings bowled out for 140 in 13.4 overs. The comprehensive nature of the defeat means Chennai cannot qualify for the playoffs, while Gujarat Titans’ win keeps them in contention for the highest seeding. Other teams in the playoff race include Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders, with the final standings dependent on remaining league stage results.
