Chennai Super Kings’ disappointing IPL 2026 campaign ended on another sour note as skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was fined Rs 24 lakh for maintaining a slow over-rate during their crushing defeat to Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The IPL confirmed that this was CSK’s second over-rate offence of the season under Article 2.22 of the tournament’s Code of Conduct. As a result, the rest of the playing XI, including the Impact Player, were also fined either Rs 6 lakh or 25 per cent of their respective match fees, whichever is lower.
In a statement released after the match, the IPL said, “As this was his team’s second offence of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which pertains to minimum over-rate offences, Gaikwad was fined INR 24 lakhs.”
The penalty came on a night when CSK’s playoff hopes were officially extinguished following an 89-run hammering at the hands of Gujarat Titans. The five-time champions have now failed to finish in the top four for three straight seasons since lifting the title in 2023.
With a top-two finish still within reach, Gujarat Titans delivered one of their most dominant performances of the season. Batting first, GT piled up a daunting 229/4 before dismantling CSK for just 140 in response.
Speaking after the defeat, Gaikwad admitted CSK never truly recovered from a poor start to the season.
“We had a tough season to start with, especially the hat-trick of losses. Once we found momentum, the combinations started working well. But injuries again disrupted the balance of the side,” he said.
The CSK captain also pointed to the absence of key all-rounders and the team’s transition phase as major setbacks in a demanding IPL season.
“Not many people actually buy the fact that we are a young team and in a transition phase. We don’t have many experienced players for the toughest competition,” Gaikwad added.