Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad reflected on the team’s performance after CSK lost their IPL 2026 clash against Lucknow Super Giants at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana International Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
After being put into bat first, CSK posted 187 runs on the board. However, LSG chased down the target comfortably in just 16.4 overs with seven wickets in hand, significantly damaging Chennai’s playoff hopes in the ongoing season.
Ruturaj Gaikwad accepts LSG outplayed CSK
Speaking after the defeat, Gaikwad admitted that LSG simply played better cricket on the night while also highlighting the challenging nature of the pitch for batters early in the innings.
"There was a bit of something for the fast bowlers. Found it difficult to hit it off a hard length. We were looking at 160-170, and got 180. Nothing much better we could have done from a batting point of view," Gaikwad said.
"They (LSG) batted well and played some extraordinary shots. We were looking (to bowl the short ball) but Inglis played differently in the last game, and Marsh plays the short ball well, so we were trying to hit a hard length. We missed on execution but they played extraordinary shots," he added.
The CSK skipper further acknowledged that the middle-order found conditions difficult after the early wickets.
"Looking back, once the opening batters fell, coming batters found it tough. Felt there was still something in it (when you hit a hard length)."
Addressing the defeat and its impact on the playoff race, Ruturaj Gaikwad remained calm despite the setback.
"Sometimes the opposition can play good cricket than you, and you have to accept it."
He also praised Kartik Sharma’s contribution with the bat and backed the team to recover strongly in the remaining fixtures.
"It is simple, nothing complicated. Nothing to worry about, just ensure we have a good day and hope that we turn things around," Gaikwad concluded.
Kartik Sharma shines but CSK bowlers struggle badly
CSK’s innings was anchored by Kartik Sharma, who played a crucial knock of 71 off 42 deliveries. Useful late cameos from Shivam Dube, who remained unbeaten on 32 off 16 balls, and Prashant Veer’s 13* helped Chennai reach a competitive total.
For LSG, Akash Singh starred with the ball, picking up three wickets for just 26 runs in his four overs, while Mohammed Shami and Shahbaz Ahmed chipped in with one wicket each.
In reply, LSG openers Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis dismantled the CSK bowling attack with a stunning 135-run partnership. Marsh hammered 90 off just 38 deliveries before getting run out, while Inglis contributed 36 off 32 balls.
The defeat leaves CSK in a difficult position, with the franchise now needing victories in both their remaining league matches while also depending on other results to stay alive in the playoff race.