Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings face each other in match number 29 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season on Sunday. The match is being held at the Maharashtra Cricket Stadium in Pune. After losing four games on the bounce, CSK earned victory versus RCB to open their account. Meanwhile, GT are the table toppers and have lost just one game so far, winning four.
This is a massive game for both sides as they seek two valuable points and make their presence on the table. Here we present a complete analysis.
Analysis of GT
The Hardik Pandya-led Titans have been superb so far. They suffered a massive defeat versus SRH but pulled things back in the next game against the Royals. GT have seen skipper Hardik Pandya take charge, and the all-rounder is leading from the front. He is continuously doing well at number four, scoring useful runs. In Abhinav Manohar, GT have a hungry uncapped player in the middle. The likes of David Miller and Rahul Tewatia can be the sorted finishers. However, a worry for GT is the form of Matthew Wade, who is yet to get any notable score. Vijay Shankar at three is a weak link.
The bowling of GT is strong. Mohammed Shami and Lockie Ferguson have plenty of experience and expertise. They are the wicket-taking bowlers. Rashid Khan is their trump card, and he can be used well. Debutant Yash Dayal impressed versus RR, and he will want to show his mettle once again.
Analysis of CSK
For CSK, Robin Uthappa and Shivam Dube have both contributed this season with quality runs. Uthappa has relived his IPL magic of the past. Dube has been a fantastic buy for CSK. He is playing with freedom and purpose. He missed that for RCB and RR in the past. If CSK are to score runs, the onus will be on these two to come out all guns blazing. The likes of Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja can be useful with their experience on offer as all-rounders.
With the ball, CSK have looked a bit short. Apart from Jadeja and Chris Jordan, the bowling line-up is pretty much average. Dwaine Pretorius is the next best option. CSK need runs to perhaps win this tie.
Head-to-head record
The two teams haven’t met in the IPL, and this is a maiden meeting.
What is the expected playing XI of both sides?
CSK predicted playing XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Robin Uthappa, Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja (c), Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni (wk), Dwayne Bravo, Maheesh Theekshana, Chris Jordan, Mukesh Choudhary
GT predicted playing XI: Matthew Wade (wk), Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Hardik Pandya (c), David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Abhinav Manohar, Rashid Khan, Lockie Ferguson, Mohammed Shami, Yash Dayal
Which team is the predicted winner?
CSK were superb versus RCB, and the batters set up the win. However, GT are a better side and well-composed. They are leading the IPL 2022 table, and the consistency is what sets them apart. GT can make CSK struggle here and also cash in on with the bat. CSK do not have a prolific bowling attack, and that’s why we feel GT will get past the line here.
Key details about the pitch, timing, and TV listing
The pitch at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune, is balanced. The average 1st innings score at this venue in the last 25 matches is 175 runs. The team batting first at this venue has won 40% of its matches. So the toss does not make much of a difference here. Pacers have done well on this ground, and you expect them to stand tall.
The match will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network. Viewers can stream the same on the Disney+ Hotstar app (paid subscription). The match will start at 7:30 PM IST.
The major batting stats on offer
Robin Uthappa has 4,916 runs and is 84 shy of the 5,000-run mark. He can also get past Chris Gayle’s tally of 4,965 runs. Ambati Rayudu has 3,998 runs and is two shy of the 4,000-run mark. Dube (207) is averaging 51.75 this season and needs 28 more to enjoy his best returns with the bat in a season (230).
The major bowling stats on offer
Rashid Khan has raced to 99 wickets in the IPL and is one shy of the 100-mark. He can become the 17th bowler to get to 100-plus IPL scalps. Shami has 86 scalps and can steer clear of Dhawal Kulkarni.
Dream11 Fantasy XI (Option 1)
Batters: Shubman Gill, Robin Uthappa, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni
All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, Moeen Ali
Bowlers: Mohammed Shami, Lockie Ferguson, Rashid Khan, Mukesh Choudhary
Dream11 Fantasy XI (Option 2)
Batters: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Abhinav Manohar, David Miller, MS Dhoni, Robin Uthappa
All-rounders: Moeen Ali, Hardik Pandya
Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Dwayne Bravo, Yash Dayal
Dream11 Fantasy XI: Captain choices
Robin Uthappa: The veteran IPL star has amassed 194 runs so far and has enjoyed himself in the middle. Uthappa is back opening the innings, and this has served him well.
Shubman Gill: With 200 runs so far, Gill has done well. He has so far looked elegant and classy. The youngster has played a fearless brand of cricket, and that can bode well for GT.
Dream11 fantasy: Vice-captain choices
Shivam Dube: With 207 runs from five games this season, Dube has been a shining star for CSK. He has already hit 2 fifties. His SR of 176.92 is massive.
Hardik Pandya: The GT skipper played a sensational 87*-run knock versus RR the other day. He is the man in form and can be lethal versus an ordinary CSK attack.