IPL 2023 Final, GT vs CSK: Five Player Battles To Watch Out For

image-li5se1r1Gujarat Titans defeated Mumbai Indians in qualifier 2 [Source: AP]

After enthralling the cricket fans with endless entertainment for nearly two months, the Indian Premier League has finally entered its business end. Two best teams, Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans, have outclassed their counterparts to qualify for the ultimate showdown, the Grand Finale, scheduled at Ahmedabad on Sunday. Meanwhile, there are some on-field battles that can decide the outcome of this match. As both teams gear up to take on each other in the final, let's find out five such player battles to watch out for. 


Devon Conway vs Mohammed Shami

image-li5s92k8Devon Conway has been a consistent performer for CSK [Source: AP]

Since joining Chennai Super Kings, ace New Zealand batter Devon Conway has established himself as the backbone of the batting unit. However, the stylish southpaw holds a miserable record against Mohammed Shami, who has dismissed him thrice in T20s. 

Devon Conway vs Mohammed Shami: 12 balls, 5 runs, Three dismissals


Shubman Gill vs Deepak Chahar

image-li5s71cvShubman Gill is in sensational form [Source: AP]

Indian batting sensation Shubman Gill is in sublime form in the IPL 2023, amassing 851 runs, including three centuries, at a blistering strike rate of 156.43. The dynamic Punjab batter will play a key role for Gujarat Titans. However, he will be tested against Deepak Chahar, who has dismissed him thrice in T20 cricket.

Shubman Gill vs Deepak Chahar: 47 balls, 62 runs, 3 dismissals


Ruturaj Gaikwad vs Rashid Khan

image-li5sabq7Rashid Khan in action [Source: AP]

Both these players have had impressive outings in the IPL 2023. While Gaikwad has consistently ensured solid starts for CSK, Rashid Khan has weaved his magic with the ball in the middle overs. Gaikwad has the upper hand over the spin maestro in head-to-head battles, as indicated by the stats below. 

Ruturaj Gaikwad vs Rashid Khan: 57 Balls, 84 runs, 2 dismissals


Hardik Pandya vs Ravindra Jadeja

image-li5sbac8Jadeja has been exceptional with the ball [Source: AP]

Ravindra Jadeja has been instrumental with the ball for CSK, scalping 19 wickets in 15 appearances. The talismanic Indian all-rounder has a stunning record against Hardik Pandya, dismissing him twice in 16 deliveries. 

Hardik Pandya vs Ravindra Jadeja: 16 balls, 18 runs, 2 dismissals


Shivam Dube vs Rashid Khan

Shivam Dube has emerged as a huge positive for CSK, playing as the middle-overs enforcer to perfection. However, the swashbuckling batter will be up against Rashid Khan, who has been GT's go-to spinner in the middle overs. Although Rashid hasn't dismissed Dube yet, this battle will be a deciding factor in this match.