'We know ourselves better now': Simmons reflects on CSK's disappointing campaign

Chennai Super Kings' disappointing IPL 2026 campaign ended with an 89-run defeat to Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Thursday, confirming CSK's elimination while sealing a top-two finish for GT. After the Titans posted 229/4, CSK were bowled out for 140 in 13.4 overs.

CSK bowling coach Eric Simmons said the franchise would take important lessons from a campaign featuring several young players. "Each player goes away with something to work on," Simmons said. "As a bowling coach, I put reports together for each guy to come back an improved player, like Anshul (Kamboj) came back from last season."

Simmons felt the tournament helped CSK understand themselves better. "We know ourselves a lot better as a unit and we also know individuals better – what they can and can't do. Kartik has come along magnificently. We've come away understanding ourselves as a unit better, and that stands us in good stead. That's an important learning for Stephen (Fleming) as head coach to know the balance of the side. When we play well, we're a really good unit."

Simmons pointed to injuries as a major factor, especially the loss of Jamie Overton. "Just as we were getting momentum, we lose Jamie Overton, who's such a balancing factor. So important to our bowling attack through the middle, so we don't have to make crazy changes. He can also bat at the back end."

Explaining batting order changes against GT, Simmons said they countered GT's pace attack by bringing Matt Short in as opener. "We looked at what GT have done on this ground. Short is a good player of short bowling, so we countered with him at the top. They bowled very well throughout the tournament in their conditions."

On MS Dhoni's future for 2027, Simmons said: "He has hit the ball so well. He had a leg injury that made running difficult. Only MS will know and make the decision about when he's ready. If he knows he's not, he won't play. If he is right, he will. He'll make the decision in the best interest of the team."

Titans spinner Rashid Khan said conditions remained consistent across both innings, crediting GT's bowlers for adapting quicker. "The wicket didn't change. Our bowling attack, especially the fast bowlers, have done a great job. If you hit the right area consistently with good pace, there is something for the bowler. We adjusted to conditions quicker than them – that's why we won again."

Rashid stressed sticking to a plan with the new ball instead of getting defensive. "You have to keep hitting the right area. You'll go for runs but there is reward, you can get wickets. When bowling early, you need to be aggressive. If you think about going to the death overs at that time, you're already losing it."