‘We’re a very new side’: CSK bowling coach Eric Simons ahead of final IPL 2026 match
Chennai Super Kings ended their IPL 2026 campaign with an 89-run loss to Gujarat Titans, their heaviest defeat and playoff elimination. CSK finished with six wins in 14 matches. Sanju Samson led the batting with 477 runs, while Anshul Kamboj took 21 wickets.
Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and bowling coach Eric Simons stressed the team’s rebuilding phase, youth development, and need for squad reassessment.
AHMEDABAD: Chennai Super Kings’ IPL-2026 campaign ended in a crushing 89-run defeat to Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium here on Thursday, a result that confirmed their elimination from the playoffs race and marked their heaviest defeat by runs in the tournament. For a franchise built on consistency, it was another sobering finish. CSK ended with six wins and eight defeats from 14 matches.
Among the batters, Sanju Samson was the standout, finishing with 477 runs from 14 innings. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, whose scoring rate was debated through the season,managed 337 runs at a strike-rate of 123. 44.
With the ball, Anshul Kamboj was one of CSK’s brighter spots and finished among the leading wickettakers with 21 wickets, though his economy rate of 10. 52 underlined the pressure the attack came under. MS Dhoni’s fitness and availability remained a seasonlong subplot.