Defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are set to face the Gujarat Titans in a crucial away match this Friday. Despite being disadvantaged by the absence of key bowlers due to injuries and international duties, CSK are determined to demonstrate their competitiveness on the field. The team is currently in a challenging position, tied in a mid-table scramble with 12 points from 11 games, making this encounter particularly significant as they strive for a playoff spot.
CSK have been navigating the tournament without several of their main bowlers. Deepak Chahar and Matheesha Pathirana are sidelined due to injuries, and Mustafizur Rahman is on national duty, leaving their bowling lineup, excluding Ravindra Jadeja and Tushar Deshpande, somewhat depleted.
The performance of CSK’s trio of spinners, Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Santner, and Moeen Ali, will be pivotal on the challenging two-paced track. However, the team's ability to defend a total of 167 against the Punjab Kings in Dharamsala has bolstered their confidence. A victory in this match would not only enhance their playoff chances but could also propel them to third place in the standings, surpassing Sunrisers Hyderabad due to a superior net run rate. Among the teams with 12 points, only CSK boast of the best net run rate of +0.700.
Conversely, the Gujarat Titans, who are currently at the bottom of the table, face their own set of challenges. With a maximum of 14 points available to them, their prospects of reaching the top four are slim. The team has won only one of their last five matches, indicating a lack of confidence and struggles across all facets of the game.
The Titans have felt the absence of Mohammed Shami due to injury, and captain Shubman Gill appears to be burdened by his leadership responsibilities, with recent performances faltering at the plate. Additionally, players like Sai Sudharsan, Shahrukh Khan, and David Miller have shown inconsistency. The team’s bowlers, particularly Mohit Sharma and Josh Little, have struggled during the Powerplay, exemplified by their allowance of 92 runs in the Powerplay against RCB, who subsequently chased down a modest target of 147 in 13.4 overs.
For CSK, leadership and performance are not in question. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has been a standout, amassing 541 runs from 11 innings and currently just one run behind Virat Kohli in the race for the Orange Cap. Additionally, Daryl Mitchell’s recent form, combined with Shivam Dube's hopeful return to his best after a recent slump could bolster the team’s prospects.
One of the highlights for CSK was the introduction of Simarjeet Singh as an impact player in their last match against PBKS. Making his debut, Simarjeet consistently delivered speeds over 140 km/h and impressed with figures of 2/16 from three overs. He'll keep his place in the side.
Team News
Kartik Tyagi, who is yet to feature in the IPL this season, could finally get some game time for the Gujarat Titans.
For CSK, even though Ajinkya Rahane's form remains a big worry, the Yellow Army are unlikely to tinker with their winning lineup.
Head-to-head record
There's nothing to choose between the two sides, with each winning 3 out of the 6 games they have played against each other.
Weather report
After a few scattered showers on Thursday, the weather will brighten up on Friday. With a maximum temperature of 40-41°C during the day, it will be a hot evening for the players in the middle. We should, however, get a full game.
Probable XIs
GT Probable XI: Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, David Miller, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Kartik Tyagi, Noor Ahmad, Mohit Sharma, Joshua Little
CSK Probable XI: Ajinkya Rahane, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(w), Mitchell Santner, Shardul Thakur, Richard Gleeson, Tushar Deshpande (Impact sub: Simarjeet Singh)
Full squads
Gujarat Titans: Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, David Miller, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Noor Ahmad, Mohit Sharma, Sandeep Warrier, Sharath BR, Vijay Shankar, Manav Suthar, Darshan Nalkande, Matthew Wade, Umesh Yadav, Kane Williamson, Jayant Yadav, Abhinav Manohar, Joshua Little, Kartik Tyagi, Spencer Johnson, Sushant Mishra
Chennai Super Kings: Ajinkya Rahane, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Daryl Mitchell, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande, Richard Gleeson, Matheesha Pathirana, Sameer Rizvi, Mukesh Choudhary, Simarjeet Singh, Shaik Rasheed, Prashant Solanki, Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, Ajay Jadav Mandal, RS Hangargekar, Maheesh Theekshana, Nishant Sindhu, Aravelly Avanish
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(With PTI inputs)