GT vs CSK Qualifier 1: Key matches to watch
Ahead of the first Qualifier of IPL 2023, let’s look at the probable matches that will rock Chepauk on Tuesday night.
After 59 days of non-stop madness and thrilling adventures, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 has entered its final week, which will begin with Qualifier 1 on Tuesday in Chennai. The table toppers – defending champions Gujarat Titans and four-time title winners Chennai Super Kings – will go head-to-head in a mouth-watering contest. The Chennai pitch is such that it will see a fierce competition between the batsmen and the spinners. Meanwhile, the fast bowlers will also look to find some success in the hot and humid conditions.
Ahead of the first Qualifier of IPL 2023, let’s look at the probable matches that will rock Chepauk on Tuesday night.
Devon Conway vs Mohammed Shami: The battle between CSK’s highest run-scorer and GT’s top wicket-taker will be a treat. Shami has been at his best this season, taking 24 wickets in 14 matches and winning the Purple Cap. Conway, on the other hand, is CSK’s leading scorer with 585 runs. In the season opener, Shami clean bowled Conway cheaply. This is a great opportunity for the Kiwi batsman to set the score.
Shivam Dube vs Rashid Khan: The Chepauk track will definitely help the spinners and Rashid Khan is already in great form. With 24 wickets, the Afghan leggie is the joint-highest wicket-taker for GT and watching Dubey bowl to him is something fans will not want to miss. At the same time, the CSK all-rounder is having a great season and has not spared any bowler in the recent past. Dubey has scored 385 runs in 12 innings and in the zone he is currently in, GT bowlers should be wary of him.
Deepak Chahar vs Shubman Gill: Chahar made a sensational comeback from injury and was among the wickets. His ability to pick up wickets in the powerplay has not only made him an exceptional bowler but also helped CSK make it to the qualifiers. On the other hand, Gill’s form is a matter of discussion. He would come into the contest with consecutive tons, one of which spoiled the party for RCB this season. Gill smashes Chahar out of the park which CSK fans would not like to see. Thus, the right-arm fast bowler needs to be ready to contain the GT opener and get him out as quickly as possible.
MS Dhoni Vs Death Bowler: If Dhoni does not come out to bat then it would be meaningless for CSK to play in Chennai. The CSK skipper has got fewer balls to play this season but has kept the crowd entertained whenever and wherever possible. Hitting sixes has been his forte and if he gets out in the death overs, irrespective of who is in the attack, the bowlers will definitely want Dhoni not on strike.
