IPL 2024: Chennai Super Kings’ strongest predicted playing XI against Gujarat Titans
Defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will face Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 7 of the Indian Premier League (IP) 2024 on Tuesday.
Both come after starting their campaign on a high note and aim to carry on their momentum. Notably, the two clashed each other in the 2023 final, where CSK won for the record fifth time in a thrilling last-ball finish at GT’s home turf in Ahmedabad.
The upcoming match will be played at CSK’s backyard at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday (March 26) and it remains to be seen if GT can get revenge under their new skipper. The Shubman Gill-led side won the first match by six runs against former skipper Hardik Pandya’s Mumbai Indians (MI).
On the other hand, CSK, who was also led by new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, extended their dominance against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) with a six-wicket win in the tournament opener. The absence of Devon Conway was a big setback but Rachin Ravindra showed positive signs in the previous encounter. Mustafizur Rahman proved to be an excellent addition for them, while Shivam Dube continued his form.
Click Here:CSK vs GT Live Score, Match 7
Here is CSK’s probable playing XI for the match against GT in IPL 2024:
Top Order: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rachin Ravindra, Ajinkya Rahane
Ruturaj Gaikwad. (Photo source: BCCI/IPL)
Captain Ruturaj and New Zealand young sensation Rachin Ravindra are likely to continue in their designated roles in the upcoming match as well. A left-right combination always works well for teams at the top of the order. Ravindra has a big shoe to fill as Conway has been one of their key cogs in previous seasons. However, with a blazing 37 run knock at a strike rate of 246.67, the Kiwi all-rounder showcased his potential.
Meanwhile, Gaikwad had a poor start with the bat as the right-hander managed to score just 15 runs at a strike rate of 100. But looking at his stats over the past seasons, the 26-year-old has always had a slow start and has become unstoppable after a few games. At number three, veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane is likely to continue. He played a short impactful cameo in the last match and looks set to enjoy another fruitful season with the five-time champions.
Middle Order – Daryl Mitchell, Ravindra Jadeja, Sameer Rizvi
CSK Jersey 2023. (Photo Source – Twitter/X)
Daryl Mitchell will lead the middle order for CSK. He had an outstanding campaign in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he finished as the fifth highest run-scorer with 552 runs from 10 games. Known for his impressive performances in big matches, Mitchell is someone who can play the role of an anchor as well as take the game away from the opposition with some power hits.
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will bat at no. 5 and may swap positions with Sameer Rizvi depending on game situations. The prolific spin all-rounder is expected to deliver another exceptional performance for the Yellow Brigade. The Chepauk surface is ideal for spinners and Jadeja is expected to shine in the upcoming match. Rizvi, the uncapped Indian talent, did not get a chance to bat in the last game. Due to his aggressive batting prowess in the domestic circuit, the 20-year-old has been nicknamed right-hander Suresh Raina, the former CSK vice-captain and Mr. IPL.
Lower-middle Order – MS Dhoni, Deepak Chahar
CSK (Source -IPL)
Even though MS Dhoni is no longer the captain of CSK, the legendary cricketer is always their leader. The 42-year-old’s contribution will be mainly in wicket-keeping and his presence in the line-up is a confidence boost for the team. Dhoni is likely to come at no. 7, followed by fast bowler Deepak Chahar.
The right-arm pacer has been given the bowling role in the opening overs as he can generate good swing with the new ball. His ability to deliver early breakthroughs has been a key factor in CSK’s success in the past and the franchise will be hoping for the same this time around. Moreover, Chahar can chip in with some impactful cameos in the lower-middle order, making him a valuable asset to the team.
Chennai vs Gujarat, Match 7 – MPL Opinio Prediction
Bowlers – Maheesh Theekshana, Mustafizur Rahman, Tushar Deshpande
Maheesh Theekshana. (Photo Source: Twitter)
CSK’s spin attack will be led by Maheesh Theekshana. The Sri Lankan off-spinner has unique variations in his bowling arsenal that can bamboozle the batters. He has been Dhoni’s middle-order weapon in previous seasons and his successor Gaikwad will follow suit. Bringing Mustafizur Rahman into the team was a master stroke from the Chennai franchise. They needed a left-arm pacer and someone who could easily adapt to their home conditions.
The Bangladeshi cricketer was the perfect choice and he proved everyone right with a scintillating spell in the tournament opener against RCB. Mustafizur, who recorded his best ever IPL figures of 4/29 in four overs, was largely responsible for CSK’s impressive win. Right-arm fast bowler Tushar Deshpande is CSK’s last man. The uncapped player has had an inconsistent run with the franchise. He also leaked 47 runs in the last match, but CSK are known for sticking with winning combination throughout the season, so Deshpande is likely to get a lifeline.
Impact Player – Shivam Dube
CSK’s predicted XI vs GT:
Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Rachin Ravindra, Ajinkya Rahane, Daryl Mitchell, Ravindra Jadeja, Sameer Rizvi, MS Dhoni (wk), Deepak Chahar, Maheesh Theekshana, Mustafizur Rahman, Tushar Deshpande (Impact player – Shivam Dube)
