IPL 2023 Final | Predicted XIs for Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans

image-li5o27zqHardik Pandya and MS Dhoni with IPL 2023 Trophy [Source: Twitter]

In an encore of the opening match of the season, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will clash against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the final of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 on Sunday. The high-voltage encounter between the four-time winners Chennai and defending champions Gujarat will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, CSK qualified for the final beating GT in Qualifier 1, while the Hardik Pandya-led XI had to take the longer route, having beaten five-time winners Mumbai Indians (MI) in Qualifier 2 last evening.

Heading into the marquee tie, Gujarat holds a psychological advantage over Chennai, having won three out of their four encounters. 

On that note, let’s take a look at the predicted playing XI of both teams -

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Openers 

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway

CSK's pillars this season, both Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway have time and again provided the franchise with stable starts. While Gaikwad has played the role of an aggressor, Conway has played the part of an anchor batter to perfection.

Both batters will enjoy true bounce on the Ahmedabad track and will look to finish off the season with plenty under their belt. 

Middle Order

Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni

It is high time that the likes of Ambati Rayudu, Ajinkya Rahane, and Moeen Ali come to the party for CSK. Rahane started off the season on a flier, however, has tapered away lately.

Rayudu and Ali have hardly made sizeable contributions this season, and have underperformed greatly. 

Jadeja and Dhoni have managed to hit big runs but will need to play beyond their current form.

The back of CSK's batting this season has been Shivam Dube, who has had an exceptional outing, where the all-rounder was written off. 

Bowlers

Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana

The duo of Deepak Chahar and Tushar Deshpande have been lethal for CSK. Chahar with the new ball has dented opponents, while Deshpande with the old ball has managed to halt batters. 

Jadeja's disciplined bowling, coupled with Matheeh Theekshana have made it difficult in the middle overs, where most teams look to score big runs.

Matheesha Pathirana as an impact player has been phenomenal, making him an unplayable commodity. 

Predicted XI for Chennai Super Kings

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk & c), Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, and Maheesh Theekshana

Impact Players

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

Gujarat Titans (GT)

Openers 

Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill

Wriddhiman Saha has been the perfect foil to Shubman Gill. Saha has shown both styles of play; aggression and caution, depending mainly on Gill's approach.

On the other hand, Gill has been unstoppable, slamming three centuries in his last four matches. Gill will be eager to perform against CSK, after a rare failure at Chepauk in Qualifier 1.  

Middle Order

Sai Sudharsan, Vijay Shankar, Hardik Pandya, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia

Despite Sai Sudharsan's approach against strike rate, the left-handed batter has been able to provide stability. Sudharsan in the limited chances has scored 266 funs, and has been able to adjust to his partner's tempo quite well. 

Both David Miller and Rahul Tewatia need to come well, having had a string of low scores lately. Skipper Hardik Pandya has blown hot and cold, however, will need to showcase intent against CSK. 

Vijay Shankar as an impact player has proved his worth in gold, making 301 runs at a strike rate of 160.10.

Bowlers

Rashid Khan, Mohit Sharma, Noor Ahmad, Mohammed Shami

With one of the most complete bowling attack, Gujarat have ticked all boxes. Mohammed Shami controls the opening spell, while Mohit Sharma handles the death over bowling.

Both spinners Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad have choked the opposition with their mastery of the spin. Khan has also been handy with the bat, ensuring GT does not feel any pressure if wickets tumble.

Joshua Little coming back from international duties, adds depth to the attack, who brings his left-arm angle. 

Predicted XI for Gujarat Titans 

Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Vijay Shankar, Hardik Pandya (c), David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Mohit Sharma, Noor Ahmad, and Mohammed Shami

Impact Player

Joshua Little, Srikar Bharat, Odean Smith, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Shivam Mavi