Gujarat Titans (GT) will take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday, May 23. Defending champions Gujarat topped the league stage, with 20 points from 14 games, while Chennai finished second, with 17 points. Both teams head into the playoffs with a win under their belt in the respective last league games. In the head-to-head battle, Gujarat enjoy a 3-0 lead in the fresh rivalry. Here are five player battles to watch out for in GT vs CSK IPL 2023 Qualifier 1.
1. Ruturaj Gaikwad vs Mohammed Shami
While Devon Conway has been outstanding for CSK in IPL 2023, Ruturaj Gaikwad has also impressed, although he doesn’t have as many big scores. However, in some great news for CSK, it was Gaikwad who dominated proceedings in the last game, hammering 79 off 50 balls. He will be keen to build on the momentum.
Pacer Mohammed Shami has been exceptional for GT in IPL 2023. In fact, heading into the qualifier, he is the Purple Cap holder with 24 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 17.66. Shami has struck key early blows in most games. Can he dislodge Gaikwad cheaply?
2. Shubman Gill vs Deepak Chahar
GT opener Shubman Gill has been absolutely sensational for the defending champions in the ongoing edition. In 14 matches, he has smashed 680 runs at an average of 56.67 and a strike rate of 152.47. He has cracked brilliant hundreds in GT’s last two games. Can he make it three in a row?
CSK pacer Deepak Chahar had a poor start to IPL 2023. He then got injured, and there were concerns, owing to his fragile body, that he might not make a return. Luckily for Chennai, he is back, and how. In the franchise’s last four games, he has picked up 10 wickets, with two two-fers and two three-fers. He will target the prized scalp of Gill.
3. Shivam Dube vs Rashid Khan
Shivam Dube has played a brilliant attacking role for CSK in IPL 2023. With the openers setting the platform, he has come in and taken on the bowling. The left-hander has clubbed 385 runs at a strike rate of 160.42. CSK will want him to continue batting in the same manner.
Taking on Rashid Khan will be a big challenge for Dube. The canny leg-spinner is equal on wickets with teammate Shami. His 24 scalps have come at an average of 18.25. The Afghanistan star has bamboozled batters like every season. He will have the upper hand over Dube.
4. Vijay Shankar vs Ravindra Jadeja
Vijay Shankar has been a surprise success story for GT, repaying the faith shown in him. He has smacked 287 runs at a strike rate of 161.24, with three half-centuries. He played a significant role in the win against RCB, hammering a quick 53. GT will want him to continue batting in the same mode.
Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja has impressed for CSK, claiming 17 wickets at an average of 22.05. He has picked up key wickets in the middle overs to set back opponents. In the qualifier, he is likely to come up against Shankar in what could be a defining battle in the contest.
5. MS Dhoni vs Mohit Sharma
Despite nursing a knee injury, MS Dhoni has played some ‘turning-back-the-clock’ cameos for CSK in IPL 2023. He has a strike rate of 190.74 and has struck as many as 10 sixes in the 54 balls he has faced. MSD will once again look to come in and smash the ball all over the park in Chepauk.
Experienced pacer Mohit Sharma has proved to be an unexpected hero with the ball for GT. He has won a couple of matches for the team from near-hopeless situations. In 11 matches, Mohit has claimed 17 scalps, averaging 16.71. On Tuesday, he will be up against his former skipper [Mohit earlier played for CSK]. Will he make an impact in the big battle?