Siraj & Rabada's early wickets power GT to 89-run IPL 2026 win: Bangar
Synopsis
Gujarat Titans did not just beat CSK by 89 runs — they eliminated a five-time champion from IPL 2026 playoff contention. Siraj and Rabada reduced CSK to 31/3 inside three overs, and Buttler's 57 off 27 balls sealed a 229-run total. Former coach Sanjay Bangar's verdict: this is the most well-managed bowling attack in the tournament.
Key Takeaways
Gujarat Titans beat Chennai Super Kings by 89 runs on 22 May , sealing a top-two finish in IPL 2026 .
Mohammed Siraj (3/26) and Kagiso Rabada (3/32) reduced CSK to 31/3 inside three overs.
CSK were bowled out for 140 in 13.4 overs chasing 229 .
Jos Buttler scored an unbeaten 57 off 27 balls , reaching his fifty in 23 balls .
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar called it 'an exceptionally well-managed bowling attack.' CSK have been eliminated from playoff contention following the defeat.
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has credited pacers Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada for setting the template of Gujarat Titans' dominant IPL 2026 campaign, after the side sealed a top-two finish with a commanding 89-run victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in New Delhi on 22 May. The result also eliminated CSK from playoff contention.
How GT Dismantled CSK
Gujarat Titans posted 229/4, fuelled by half-centuries from B Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, and Jos Buttler. In reply, CSK were bowled out for 140 in just 13.4 overs, with Siraj (3/26), Rabada (3/32), and Rashid Khan sharing the wickets. The fast-bowling pair reduced CSK to 31/3 inside three overs, effectively ending the contest before the powerplay was complete.
What Bangar Said About the Pace Duo
Speaking to Jio Hotstar, Bangar praised the consistency and aggression of the GT pace attack. 'Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada have set the tone beautifully for the Gujarat Titans this season. Bowling extended spells upfront has allowed them to attack consistently without constantly adjusting fields or ends,' he said.
Bangar added that their knack for early breakthroughs has amplified the threat of spinner Rashid Khan in the middle overs. 'Their ability to pick up early wickets has created the perfect platform for the rest of the bowling unit. And when GT gets ahead in the game early, someone like Rashid Khan becomes even more difficult to face. Overall, this has been an exceptionally well-managed bowling attack,' he said.
Buttler's Cameo Sealed the Total
Jos Buttler walked in after Shubman Gill's dismissal and immediately shifted gears, smashing Noor Ahmad for consecutive sixes before bringing up his fifty off just 23 balls. He finished unbeaten on 57 off 27 balls, pushing GT past the 220-run mark and setting a target that proved well beyond CSK's reach.
Bangar singled out the knock as a turning point. 'That was a hugely significant innings from Jos Buttler. He has scored runs this season and showed a different level of dominance and intent. His strike rate completely shifted the momentum of the innings and helped GT post a total that put the game out of CSK's reach,' he said. 'Seeing Buttler in this kind of form is a massive boost for the Gujarat Titans ahead of the playoffs,' he added.
What This Means for the Playoffs
With the top-two finish confirmed, Gujarat Titans now carry the double-advantage into the knockout stage — a safety net that has historically proved decisive in the IPL format. CSK, five-time champions, exit the league phase without a playoff berth, marking a rare early end to their campaign. This is the third time in IPL history that CSK have failed to qualify for the playoffs. GT's bowling unit, led by Siraj and Rabada as the season's leading wicket-takers, enters the knockout rounds in formidable form.
Point of View
Rashid Khan mopping up in the middle, and finishers like Buttler accelerating at the death: it is a blueprint that most IPL sides talk about but few execute. The more telling detail is what this means for CSK — a franchise that has made the playoffs in all but one of its IPL seasons is now out, and the margin of defeat (89 runs, bowled out in 13.4 overs) suggests structural problems, not just a bad day. Bangar's analysis, while measured, points to something mainstream coverage underplays: GT's bowling success is as much about role clarity and workload management as it is about individual talent.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Gujarat Titans seal a top-two finish in IPL 2026?
Gujarat Titans beat Chennai Super Kings by 89 runs on 22 May, posting 229/4 and bowling CSK out for 140 in 13.4 overs. The result confirmed their top-two finish and a double-advantage heading into the IPL 2026 playoffs.
What did Sanjay Bangar say about Siraj and Rabada?
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar said Siraj and Rabada have 'set the tone beautifully' for Gujarat Titans by bowling extended upfront spells, picking early wickets, and creating the ideal platform for Rashid Khan in the middle overs. He called it 'an exceptionally well-managed bowling attack.'
How did Jos Buttler perform against CSK?
Jos Buttler scored an unbeaten 57 off 27 balls, reaching his fifty in just 23 deliveries. He smashed Noor Ahmad for consecutive sixes and helped GT cross 220, posting a total that proved well beyond CSK's reach.
Are CSK eliminated from IPL 2026 playoffs?
Yes, Chennai Super Kings were eliminated from IPL 2026 playoff contention following their 89-run defeat to Gujarat Titans on 22 May. It is only the third time in IPL history that CSK have failed to qualify for the playoffs.
Who were the top wicket-takers in the GT vs CSK IPL 2026 match?
Mohammed Siraj took 3 wickets for 26 runs and Kagiso Rabada took 3 wickets for 32 runs. Both are among the leading wicket-takers of the IPL 2026 season. Rashid Khan also contributed to CSK's collapse.
