Netizens and cricket experts have dubbed the Gujarat Titans' Powerplay performance against Chennai Super Kings in their April 2026 clash as a "tactical masterclass". While the Titans were lauded for their discipline, the reaction to CSK’s batting has been polarized, with many calling out a lack of intent and others blaming a flawless defensive setup by Shubman Gill. Gujarat Titans' bowlers exploited the early moisture, leaving CSK reeling at 33/3 by the end of the 7th over. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson struggled to break free, recording strike rates of 83.33 and 73.33 respectively.

Kagiso Rabada led the charge with 2 wickets in his first three overs, maintaining an economy of just 5.33. Netizens highlighted GT's "moving target" field placements, which successfully cut off CSK's preferred scoring zones. After losing Sanju Samson’s wicket, the CSK debutant Urvil Patel entered the pitch and hit Kagiso Rabada for a four which was applauded by the viewers, however, Rabada dismissed Patel in the next ball. Patel was then substituted and Sarfaraz Khan was called in as the Impact Sub but he walked back to the pavilion with a duck. Netizens criticized the team for playing "safety-first" cricket, with many on Twitter calling the 49.6% dot ball percentage in early overs a "white flag".

Sanju Samson crosses 5000 runs in IPL

Sanju Samson reached the 5,000-run milestone in the IPL on April 26, 2026, during a match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium. Entering the game with 4,997 career runs, he crossed the mark in the second over of the innings by hitting a boundary off Kagiso Rabada.

He became the fastest Indian to reach 5,000 IPL runs in terms of balls faced (3,555 deliveries), surpassing Suresh Raina.He is the 10th player in IPL history to join the 5,000-run club and the 3rd fastest overall, trailing only AB de Villiers and David Warner.