CSK’s season ends on sour note as Ruturaj Gaikwad hit with hefty fine for slow over-rate

The disappointment continued for Chennai Super Kings after their crushing defeat to Gujarat Titans ended their IPL playoff hopes, with the franchise now facing financial penalties for maintaining a slow over-rate during the match.

Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was fined ₹24 lakh, while the remaining members of the playing XI, along with the impact player, were penalised 25% of their match fees or ₹6 lakh each, whichever amount is lower.

According to an IPL statement, the punishment was imposed because it was Chennai’s second over-rate offence of the season under Article 2.22 of the league’s Code of Conduct relating to minimum over-rate violations.

“Ruturaj Gaikwad, Captain, Chennai Super Kings, has been fined after his team maintained a slow over-rate during Match 66 of TATA IPL 2026 against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium,” the statement said.

The earlier offence had come during Chennai’s match against Delhi Capitals on April 11.

The fine compounded a difficult evening for Chennai. Chasing a daunting target of 230, CSK’s batting lineup folded for 140 in just 14 overs, suffering an 89-run defeat that formally ended their campaign.

Apart from Shivam Dube, who scored a quickfire 47 off 17 deliveries, Chennai’s batting unit struggled to make an impact.

The defeat marked the franchise’s final game of the season, with CSK finishing with six wins and eight losses. The campaign was also played without M. S. Dhoni, whose absence throughout the season continued to fuel speculation over his future.

The latest over-rate penalty also reignites debate around whether fines alone are enough to address repeated delays in IPL matches. Slow over-rates have remained a recurring issue across teams this season, with several matches extending beyond scheduled timelines despite repeated sanctions from the league.