IPL 2026: Ruturaj Gaikwad penalised after CSK’s crushing defeat to Gujarat Titans | Cricket News
Ruturaj Gaikwad, captain of Chennai Super Kings, has been fined INR 24 lakh after his side maintained a slow over-rate during their IPL 2026 clash against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.According to the IPL’s Code of Conduct under Article 2.22, which deals with minimum over-rate offences, this was CSK’s second offence of the season after their earlier breach in Match 18. As a result, Gaikwad received a hefty fine, while the remaining members of the playing XI, including the Impact Player, were fined either INR 6 lakh or 25 percent of their respective match fees, whichever is lower.Ruturaj Gaikwad endured a highly challenging and heavily criticized IPL 2026 campaign as the captain and opening batter for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). While he officially guided the franchise through a tough “transition phase” marred by early injuries, his personal batting form and lack of intent became a major talking point. CSK ultimately failed to qualify for the playoffs, finishing their league stage with 6 wins and 8 defeats. The disappointing evening for CSK extended far beyond the penalty as Gujarat Titans completely dominated the contest to secure a crushing 89-run victory and officially eliminate Chennai from the IPL 2026 playoff race.After being asked to bat first, GT’s batting unit delivered a brutal assault on the CSK bowling attack. Captain Shubman Gill smashed 64 off 37 balls, while Sai Sudharsan continued his sensational season with a classy 84 off 53 deliveries. Jos Buttler then added the finishing touch with a blistering unbeaten 57 off just 23 balls as Gujarat piled up a massive 229/4.CSK’s chase never recovered after early strikes from Mohammed Siraj, who dismissed Sanju Samson for a duck and removed Gaikwad cheaply. Although Shivam Dube played a fiery cameo of 47 off 17 balls, the rest of the batting lineup collapsed under pressure.Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada wrapped up the innings as CSK were bowled out for just 140 in 13.4 overs. The emphatic win confirmed Gujarat Titans’ place in the top two while ending Chennai Super Kings’ hopes of reaching the IPL 2026 playoffs.
