CSK vs GT: Kagiso Rabada Becomes The Highest Wicket-Taker During Powerplay In IPL 26

The Powerplay phase has emerged as a defining factor in IPL 2026, with bowlers dominating the early exchanges and setting the tone for matches. Leading the charge is Kagiso Rabada, who has picked up nine wickets during the opening phase of the game.

The South African had earlier got 10 wickets, which remains the highest for him during the powerplay. Close on his heels are Jofra Archer with eight wickets and Mohammed Shami with six, highlighting the growing impact of fast bowlers with the new ball.

This dominance has translated into a series of low Powerplay totals, underlining the struggles of batting units across teams. Sunrisers Hyderabad registered the lowest score of the season at 22/3 against Lucknow Super Giants in Hyderabad. Chennai Super Kings also found themselves in trouble at 28/3 against Gujarat Titans in Chennai, while Mumbai Indians (29/3 vs CSK in Wankhede) and Lucknow Super Giants (31/3 vs Rajasthan Royals in Lucknow) round out the list of lowest totals in the first six overs.

CSK vs GT: Siraj, Rabada Pull Back Things For Chennai

The CSK vs GT clash in Chennai offered a clear snapshot of this trend. Mohammed Siraj set the tone early with a clinical opening over, conceding just a single run and immediately building pressure. Sanju Samson briefly counterattacked, taking Rabada apart for 10 runs in an over, while Ruturaj Gaikwad matched that aggression with another 10-run burst off Siraj.

However, Rabada quickly turned the tide, striking twice in quick succession, including the key wicket of the in-form Samson. Siraj further dented CSK's hopes by dismissing impact substitute Sarfaraz Khan off the very first ball he faced. By the end of the Powerplay, CSK were reeling at 28/3, reinforcing a broader pattern seen throughout the tournament - early breakthroughs are proving decisive, and teams that fail to navigate the Powerplay are often left playing catch-up for the rest of the innings.