IPL 2026: CSK crumble in Powerplays as Gujarat Titans script eight-wicket win
Gujarat Titans secured an eight-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings, driven by Kagiso Rabada's three-wicket haul and B Sai Sudharsan's unbeaten 87. A dominant Powerplay spell from GT's pacers restricted CSK to a low total, while Sudharsan's explosive batting ensured a comfortable chase.
CHENNAI: The stark contrast in Powerplay efficiency proved decisive as Gujarat Titans dismantled Chennai Super Kings by eight wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday. The stars of the show were South African paceman Kagiso Rabada (3-25), who broke the back of the CSK top-order, and in-form ‘home boy’ B Sai Sudharsan (87,46 balls; 4x4, 7x6), whose orthodox strokeplay propelled GT to fifth on the table with eight points. CSK now have six from eight and their hopes of a last-four berth are fast diminishing.
The tone was set early when the Titans’ pace duo of Rabada and Mohammed Siraj ripped through the hosts with a ferocious opening spell on a rare lively Chepauk surface, restricting them to a paltry 28-3 in the Powerplay. On the other hand, GT’s openers mastered the two-paced conditions, during their chase of a tricky 159. Captain Shubman Gill (33) and Sudharsan helped the Titans race to 55-0 in the first six overs, effectively seizing control despite a disciplined opening from Anshul Kamboj, who conceded just 3 runs in his first two overs.
Sudharsan continued his stellar run this season and remained unfazed even after losing Gill in the seventh over. His innings, marked by control and clean striking, was studded with seven sixes and four fours. The youngster and the No.
3 batter Jos Buttler, hardly put a foot wrong and went on to stitch a 97-run partnership for the second wicket. With CSK’s attack offering little resistance, the duo turned the chase into a formality, finishing it off with 20 balls to spare. However, Rababa and Siraj set up the win under the sweltering sun.