Substantial Picture: Will the stars align for CSK?
Ahmedabad, the scene of arguably Chennai Super Kings‘ greatest triumph in 2023, is set to host Ruturaj Gaikwad & co for one final hurrah in IPL 2026. Unless the stars and the mathematical possibilities associated only with particle physics align. Battling with three other teams for the lone remaining playoff spot, CSK must first secure a convincing win. That may only be enough if Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings both lose their final matches, while Kolkata Knight Riders win no more than one of their remaining two. It is an unenviable position because even a win would leave CSK waiting until May 24 – the final day of the league stage – to learn their fate. Defeat, meanwhile, would confirm a third straight season without a playoff appearance, a stark downturn for a side that missed the playoffs only once between 2008 and 2023. For hosts Gujarat Titans – into their fourth playoffs in five seasons – the stakes are far more significant and their equation less complex. A win strengthens their push for a top-two finish. A defeat may still leave them in second place, but only if Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Gujarat Titans LWWWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Chennai Super Kings LLWWW
In the spotlight: Rashid and Gaikwad
Rashid Khan was carted for 57 in four wicketless overs by KKR in his last game, making it his most expensive IPL figures. Earlier in the season at Chepauk, CSK too had taken him apart for 21 in the only over he bowled. These two outings, though, are anomalies in an otherwise strong season where Rashid has picked up 16 wickets in 13 matches to remain one of GT’s key middle-overs trump cards. He’ll want to finish the league stage with a statement performance. Ruturaj Gaikwad is CSK’s second-highest run-scorer this season, but his powerplay strike rate of 121 – the lowest among batters with 200-plus runs – underlines how quickly the game has moved away from the traditional anchor role he has often tried to play. Coach Stephen Fleming has