IPL 2023 MATCH PREVIEW: CSK v GT, Qualifier 1

After a grueling series of 70 games, the cream of the crop has emerged, revealing the top four contenders. Remarkably, GT, much like the previous season, has once again claimed the pinnacle of the table with an impressive 20 points, while CSK secures the second position with a commendable 17 points. This notable achievement marks their 12th season qualifying for the playoffs, solidifying their unrivaled status as the most consistent team in the illustrious history of the IPL. Now, the focus shifts to Chepauk, where a high-stakes encounter awaits, as the victor of this crucial match will secure a direct passage to the finals.

Barring a solitary anomaly when Rinku Singh unleashed a relentless onslaught, plundering an astonishing 40 runs in a mere span of 7 consecutive deliveries, the performance of Gujarat Titans this season has been nothing short of impeccable, reminiscent of their previous campaign. Saha, capitalizing on the powerplay overs, has consistently ensured that GT launches into each game with a blistering start. Notably, they entrusted Sudharshan with the pivotal number 3 position, reaping the rewards of his back-to-back half-centuries. A customary Tewatia flourish further bolstered their tally with valuable 2 points on couple of occasions. Overcoming a dismal previous season, Vijay Shankar has displayed brilliance in five remarkable innings. It appears as though every endeavor they undertake transforms into pure gold. Furthermore, their astute decision to reinstate Mohit Sharma, a formidable bowler and a standout performer in their ranks, who was last witnessed in action in 2020, has proven to be a masterstroke. Noor Ahmed, an unpredictable wildcard, has captivated audiences with his extraordinary skills throughout the tournament, while Mohammad Shami has earned the distinction of claiming the most wickets during the Powerplay phase this season.

Considering the number of injuries CSK faced this season, their squad strength, and their performance in the previous year, there were conflicting sentiments about their potential success this year. However, against all odds, CSK has surpassed everyone's expectations given the challenging circumstances. The key to CSK's triumph can be attributed to their consistent adherence to a tried-and-tested template that has been witnessed over the years. This template involves having a prolific overseas batsman as a run machine at the top, with two middle-order batsmen contributing regularly. Additionally, they rely on an Indian fast bowler who excels in the Powerplay, as well as a formidable death bowler who consistently delivers. Rahane and Dube have displayed exceptional performances in their respective roles. Dube, in particular, has hit more sixes against spinners than any other batsman, while Rahane boasts an impressive strike rate against pace. Tushar Deshpande has emerged as a revelation with the new ball, capably shouldering the responsibility in the absence of Chahar. Pathirana, without a doubt, has been CSK's X factor, and the transition of responsibility from Bravo to Pathirana has been officially acknowledged.

Probable XI

Chennai Super Kings

Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Tushar Deshpande, Deepak Chahar, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana

Gujarat Titans

Wriddhiman Saha(w), Shubman Gill, Vijay Shankar (impact sub), Hardik Pandya(c), David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Abhinav Manohar, Mohit Sharma, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Shami, Noor Ahmad, Yash Dayal

Venue

MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

-Average Total batting 1st: 171
-Average 1st innings winning total: 189.4

-Highest total: 246/5 - CSK vs RR, 2010
-Lowest total: 70/10 - RCB v CSK, 2019

-Total Match Played: 74
-Batting First Won: 44
-Batting Second Won: 30

Head to Head

GT leads by 3-0

Most Runs

218 - Ruturaj Gaikwad
109 - David Miller

Most Wickets

5 - Mohammad Shami
5 - Alzaari Joseph

Points Table

CSK: 2nd
GT: 1st

Team Form (last 5 games)

CSK: NR W W L W
GT: W W L W W

Match Ups

Ruturaj v Rashid: 66 off 45, 2 out
Ruturaj v Shami: 40 off 57
Miller v Jadeja: 118 off 67, 1 out
Rahane v Shami: 86 off 50
Rayudu v Rashid: 82 off 69
Rayudu v Mohit: 52 off 42
Moeen v Rashid: 76 off 56, 4 out
Dhoni v Mohit: 47 off 22, 1 out
Shankar v Jaeja: 23 off 37
Gill v Chahar: 49 off 37, 2 out

Form Update ( last 5 innings )

Key Players

Rashid Khan

He should be your automatic rather a blind pick in your fantasy 11. He is arguably the greatest t20 bowler with more than 500 wickets. He is one of the three bowlers to pick 15 + wkts in a season for 7 consecutive times. In addition to that, he knows how to use the long handle down the order and displayed his prowess with the bat against MI with a knock of 79*

Shubhman Gill

He is GT's highest scorer with 680 runs at a SR of 152. Fresh from a match winning 100 in the last game against RCB.

Hardik Pandya

Pandya has been struggling with the bat and his last 25 - 30 t20 innings paint a poor picture. His SR is around 125 and hasn’t played a “good” innings apart from that knock against Lucknow where he smashed 66 in a low scoring game.But given his bowling and ability to pick the odd wkts in the powerplay its difficult to rule him out of the game. He had a memorable season last year where he scored 487 runs and was the MoM in the final.

Devon Conway:

He has been CSK's Mr Consistent this season with almost 600 runs. He plays both spin and pace exceptionally well.

Ravindra Jadeja:

He has a great record at Chepauk this season. Given how the wicket has played out, he along with Moeen and Theekshana are going to cause few problems to GT's lineup in the middle overs. This has been Jadeja's one of better seasons with the ball. He has picked 17 wkts at an eco of 7.5

Fantasy XI