Chennai Super Kings were dealt a massive blow in the race for IPL 2024 playoffs after a massive 35-run defeat against Gujarat Titans on Friday. CSK remain fourth in the IPL 2024 points table with 12 points from 12 matches and the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side will now have to win their final two matches and depend on other teams’ results to potentially find a spot in the Top 4. On the other hand, Gujarat Titans kept their dreams alive as they now have 10 points from 12 matches. While the chances are quite slim, they can end up qualifying for the playoffs with 14 points if other results go their way.

Skipper Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan smashed brilliant hundreds in a record-equalling double hundred plus opening stand to power Gujarat Titans to a comfortable 35-run win over Chennai Super Kings in an IPL match on Friday. Gujarat with this win stay alive in theory for a place in play-offs.

Sudharsan struck 103 off 51 balls with five fours and seven sixes while Gill scored season’s first ton — a sublime 104 off 55 balls with half a dozen sixes to help GT post a daunting 231 for 3 after being sent into bat.

The two batters put on 210 runs for the first wicket and equalled the record set by Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul in 2022.

Chasing the stiff target, CSK witnessed a torrid start before Daryl Mitchell (63 off 34) and Moeen Ali (56 off 36) shared 109 runs for the fourth wicket to keep their team in the hunt.

But the target was too stiff as CSK were eventually restricted to 196 for 8 in 20 overs.

Towards the end, Mahendra Singh Dhoni played a 11-ball 26-run cameo but in vain. For GT, Mohit Sharma (3/31) was the pick of the bowlers, while Rashid Khan (2/38) picked up two wickets.

(With PTI inputs)