IPL 2023: Qualifier 1 | Predicted Playing XIs For GT vs CSK

image-lhziryy8MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya (Source: BCCI/IPL)

Indian Premier League (IPL) is a full circle and it revolves around a few stars like those that we are going to see in the Qualifier 1 between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) that will be played at the Chepauk featuring MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya. Incidentally, they met in the first game this season and it won't be a surprise if they clash again in the finals.

The defending champions are up against the four-time champions and the battle is just getting a little more intense as a lot is at stake for these teams.

GT ended in first place after 10 wins in their 14 matches whereas CSK were decent enough with eight victories in their report card.

With few hours left for the game, let's have a look at the playing XI(I) of both teams that is likely to take the field.

Gujarat Titans (GT)

Openers

Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha (wk)

The 'Prince' Shubman Gill as he is fondly called will be raring to go against the Super Kings and continue to prove himself after two wonderful centuries. On the other hand, Wriddhiman Saha has played some short but sweet knocks accompanying his partner.

Middle-Order

Vijay Shankar, Hardik Pandya (c), Abhinav Manohar, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia

Vijay Shankar came and conquered against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in their final group-stage game that too after coming in as an impact player due to injury. Skipper Hardik Pandya would be quite content with how his batting unit has performed and therefore, would again play as a floater.

Abhinav Manohar would be coming back in after sitting out of the few games majorly due to combination while David Miller and Rahul Tewatia have been impressive in the finisher's role for a while.

Bowlers

Rashid Khan, Mohit Sharma, Noor Ahmad, Mohammed Shami, Josh Little

Spin twins Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmed have been exceptional in picking up wickets that too at the right time for the side. The fact that they both have outfoxed the opposition on multiple occasions explains their quality. Pace bowling duo of Mohammed Shami and Mohit Sharma have picked up wickets both in the powerplay and at the death which would again be the requirement.

The major boost they have received is in the form of left-arm pacer Josh Little's re-addition to the squad after missing out  

Impact Players

Josh Little, Srikar Bharat, Yash Dayal, Shivam Mavi, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Openers

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway

The flamboyant duo of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway has been in scintillating form and hence, they hold the key to CSK's success since the bulk of runs have come from them only which gives the rest of the batting order the license to explode after a decent start.

Middle-Order

Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (c & wk)

CSK's middle order is the most experienced and fluctuating one since who comes where depends on the number of wickets and runs on the board. It is this much flexible that MS Dhoni would either be batting at eight or fourth or anywhere in between as he wants to bat in the last 2-3 overs.

Shivam Dube has been impressive with a clear instruction of going after everything which has been the major reason for the team's high run rate during the middle-overs as he tends to target the spinners most often. Ajinkya Rahane 2.0 is the best version of him and surely, CSK is enjoying his services at the moment.

Also, the likes of Ambati Rayudu, Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja have been tasked to do the middle-death overs job of keeping the run rate in check.

Bowlers

Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana

Return in form of Deepak Chahar has benefitted CSK immensely as the early breakthroughs were quite a necessity for the side. Tushar Deshpande has matured as a pacer, riding high on the confidence that was shown in him which is now paying dividends. 

Maheesh Theekshana has been a handy weapon for the yellow army and would be utilised quite often whereas his countrymate Matheesha Pathirana has developed into an outstanding death-over specialist with an unorthodox action which isn't an easy one to pick for the batters.

Impact Players

Matheesha Pathirana, Mitchell Santner, Subhranshu Senapati, Shaik Rasheed, Akash Singh