IPL 2024, SRH vs CSK, 3 Match-winners For Chennai Super Kings

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Matheesha Pathirana will be important for CSK in this match [AP Photos]Ruturaj Gaikwad and Matheesha Pathirana will be important for CSK in this match [AP Photos]

The defending champions will face the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 18th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024). This match will be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on 5th April at 7:30 PM IST. 

After a strong start to the tournament with two comfortable wins, the Chennai Super Kings faced a setback in their previous match against the Delhi Capitals. Determined to regain their winning momentum, the team is eager to secure a victory in this game and maintain their position in the top four. 

Before looking at the top three important players for the Chennai Super Kings in this game, let us have a look at how the wicket at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium has behaved in the tournament. 


Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium Ground Stats (IPL 2024)

Stats
Numbers
Matches1
Matches won batting first
1
Matches won batting second0
Average first innings total277
Average second innings total246
Wickets by pacers6
Wickets by spinners2

The Sunrisers faced the Mumbai Indians in their last home game at this venue. It was a record-breaking match, as SRH batted first and posted the highest-ever IPL total of 277 runs in 20 overs. While it was a steep climb for the Mumbai Indians, they did make a match of it and managed to reach 246 runs at the end of their 20 overs. 

523 runs were scored in 40 overs for the loss of eight wickets, which suggests that the pitch is a belter and that the batters will enjoy the surface. Based on these derivations, let us determine who could be the crucial players for Chennai Super Kings in this match. 


3 Important Player for CSK vs SRH

Rachin Ravindra 

The Kiwi opener has looked brilliant in this tournament. He comes out with the intent of giving his team a quick start and has been successful in doing that in a couple of innings so far. However, Rachin Ravindra has not yet got a big score. Given how the wicket behaved in the previous match, Ravindra could score significantly in this match. Besides, in the only ODI that Ravindra has played here, he scored a well-composed, steady, run-a-ball half-century. The confidence will be with Ravindra, and he needs to cash in to become a decisive factor for CSK in this game. 

Ruturaj Gaikwad

The newly appointed CSK-skipper has blown hot and cold with the bat in IPL 2024. Ruturaj Gaikwad's record at the venue is also not impressive. However, the wicket looks new and will likely favour the batters. With the new ball coming onto the bat nicely, Gaikwad might enjoy the conditions here and play a decisive knock for his team.

Matheesha Pathirana

The Sri Lankan pacer will have the responsibility of restricting the opposition in the death overs. In Mustafizur Rahman's absence, Pathirana will be a very important cog in the CSK mechanism. However, Pathirana's record at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is not encouraging. But, he is a fast learner, and with his lethal yorkers and ability to change pace, Pathirana could be a game-changer for the Super Kings.