‘MS Dhoni Set the Bar Too High’: R. Ashwin on CSK’s IPL 2026 Struggles

Ravichandran Ashwin said MS Dhoni’s success set unreal expectations after CSK lost heavily to Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026.

Gujarat Titans crushed Chennai Super Kings by 89 runs at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. GT posted a massive 229 after brilliant half-centuries from Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler. CSK then collapsed for 140 as Mohammed Siraj, Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada picked up 3 wickets each.

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Former CSK star Ravichandran Ashwin later said MS Dhoni and Chennai had created extremely high expectations through years of success. Ashwin added that the current CSK side now needs more experienced and proven players after missing out on the playoffs this season.

“MS Dhoni and CSK have spoilt us for success with their high-pedigree. Because you feel, ‘if this team starts winning, they’d go on to win the cup’, “ Ashwin said.

“Back in 2021, after COVID, when we thought they wouldn’t win, they went on to win with that team. The side led by MS delivered the title by banking on their experienced quality players. You have to understand this isn’t the CSK led by MS Dhoni, and hence we’d have to rope in high quality seasoned players,” he added.

In the match, Gujarat Titans dominated Chennai Super Kings in Ahmedabad after posting 229/4 and bowling the visitors out for 140 in just 13.4 overs.

Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan gave GT a flying start with a century opening stand. Gill hammered 64 off 37 balls before Spencer Johnson dismissed him. Sudharsan then completed his fifth straight fifty and scored 84 from 53 deliveries. Jos Buttler stayed unbeaten on 57 off 27 as GT crossed 220.

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GT’s bowlers then destroyed CSK’s chase. Mohammed Siraj removed Sanju Samson with the first ball and later dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad for 16 off 6. Shivam Dube fought back with 47 off 17 balls, but Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada claimed 3 wickets each to seal a crushing win.