In match number 18 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) finally got their maiden win of the season. Coming into the game after three consecutive defeats, the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side registered a 23-run win over Delhi Capitals (DC) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, courtesy of a match-winning 115 off 56 from Sanju Samson. While the match saw some brilliant hitting from the Indian wicketkeeper-batter, a few players were also involved in controversy following their actions.
Fiery Nitish Rana vs umpire
Among them was DC batter Nitish Rana, who was left out of the side’s XI in their defeat against CSK. Nitish Rana has been fined 25% of his match fee along with one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the IPL Code of Conduct. The offence found him guilty of Article 2.3 which relates to the use of an audible obscenity during a match.
Elaborating on the incident, it took place in the closing stages of the game during DC’s run-chase of 213. In the 19th over, Tristan Stubbs requested to change his gloves as he appeared uncomfortable and was seen struggling with sweat-soaked gloves.
However, his request was turned down by the fourth umpire, leaving the DC camp in visible frustration. Just at this time, Nitish Rana stepped in to question the decision and was seen engaging in prolonged discussion with the umpire on the sidelines, leading to the fine imposed for his antics.
Ruturaj Gaikwad fined for CSK’s slow over-rate
Apart from Nitish Rana’s indisciplinary act, CSK captai Ruturaj Gaikwad has also been fined INR 12 Lakh following his side’s comprehensive win in Saturday’s double-header clash. The fine for Gaikwad comes following the team maintained slow over-rate.
“As this was his team’s first offence of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which pertains to minimum over-rate offences, Gaikwad was fined Rs 12 lakhs,” the IPL said in a statement. With this Gaikwad has become only the third skipper to have found guilty in IPL 2026 following PBKS’ Shreyas Iyer and GT skipper Shubman Gill.
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