Defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) are all set to attempt a second straight title win as they face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the first IPL 2023 qualifier on Tuesday. The Titans have continued to impress and with their star players in top form, they will be a tough team to beat. The Super Kings, on the other hand, started off their IPL 2023 campaign strongly despite facing a few hiccups midway through the league. However, fans be assured of massive fireworks on matchday as the two fan-favourite teams battle it out.
Read More: Gill’s unstoppable form continues, guides Titans to 6-wicket win over RCB
Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings preview
After winning 10 out of 14 matches in the IPL 2023 league stage, defending champs Gujarat Titans finished at the top of the points table. Meanwhile, after finishing an unimpressive ninth last year, the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings made a brilliant comeback this time around, finishing second.
The race for the 🔝 Four Teams begins today in Chennai 🏟️
An opportunity to directly make it to the #TATAIPL 2023 #Final 💪🏻@gujarat_titans & @ChennaiIPL are all in readiness for the challenge! Who makes it through 🤔#Qualifier1 | #GTvCSK pic.twitter.com/ykFIVAUi8b
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 23, 2023
Both teams will face off at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on May 23. The winning team will qualify for the final, while the losing team will play a second qualifier to for a place in the summit clash.
Read More: Cameron Green’s maiden IPL ton guides Mumbai to victory
Interestingly, four-time champions Chennai have never beaten GT in the history of IPL. Thus, it will be interesting to see Dhoni’s tactics in the upcoming game. His bowlers will be wary of Shubman Gill, who has smashed two back-to-back centuries this IPL 2023 and is in superb form.
On the Titans’ bowling front, Mohammed Shami and Rashid Khan are in brilliant form as well. CSK could struggle and Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, and Shivam Dube will need to take a lot of responsibility with the bat.
Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings match details
Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings, Qualifier 1, IPL 2023
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Date and time: Tuesday, May 23, 7:30 pm IST
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GT vs CSK pitch report
With the tournament progressing, the pitch at the MA Chidambaram Stadium has become significantly slower. Thus, the toss becomes very crucial. While batting first could be an advantage, the Titans’ strong bowling lineup could see them defend any score. Hardik will likely choose to bowl first if he wins the toss. A target of 170 or more would be considered respectable on this pitch.
GT vs CSK prediction
While Chennai Super Kings have staged a promising comeback this IPL 2023, one should consider Gujarat Titans’ near unstoppable form. Their players tick all the right boxes and they have excelled in all departments. Adding to that is the home ground factor, making GT strong favourites to win this upcoming IPL 2023 qualifier.
Read More: Kohli’s century outshines Klaasen’s ton, RCB remain in contention for IPL playoffs
GT vs CSK probable playing XIs
Gujarat Titans (GT):
Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Vijay Shankar, Hardik Pandya (c), David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Dasun Shanaka, Mohit Sharma, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Shami, Noor Ahmad
Read More: Livingstone’s knock in vain as Delhi Capitals edge Punjab Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings (CSK):
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk/c), Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana
