Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was fined Rs 24 lakh for a second slow over-rate offence after CSK’s heavy defeat to Gujarat Titans ended their IPL 2026 playoff hopes.
CSK coach Stephen Fleming gave a cryptic response on the veteran’s availability next season, while fans await clarity on whether Dhoni will return or retire.
Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 70 and Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive 47 guided Sunrisers Hyderabad to a five-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings and sealed their playoff spot at Chepauk.
CSK vs SRH IPL 2026 preview: Match timing, live streaming, predicted playing XIs, Chepauk pitch report and head-to-head record.
As MS Dhoni retirement speculation grows ahead of CSK’s final home game against SRH, Sunil Gavaskar says he would be “surprised” if the former captain returns after over a year away from competitive cricket.
On a pitch which had some assistance for spinners, Bangalore were off to a steady start as Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli hit eight boundaries between themselves to be at 51/0 in the first five overs.
In a stadium where majority of the fans sported yellow jerseys and cheered loudly when MS Dhoni walked in for the toss as the captain, Gaikwad and Conway dished out a stunning, dominant show after having the usual slow and steady Chennai start when 40/0 came in powerplay.
Chasing a target of 188 set by Punjab Kings largely boosted by a brilliant 88 not out by Shikhar Dhawan, Chennai were in trouble soon.
Head coach Mahela Jayawardene, had some things to say in his post-match virtual press conference and felt that his side have been lacking the instincts to finish off certain matches successfully.
The 40-year-old has certainly not forgotten about his skill with the bat and single handedly steered his team to the finish line and reinstated his name as one of the best finishers of the game.
