Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will go head-to-head against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 59 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 with an aim of strengthening their playoff chances. Both were finalists for the 2023 edition, but this time around, the Titans put in an underwhelming performance to see them on the brink of elimination.
Having lost seven of their 11 matches so far, GT are just one defeat away from officially crashing out of the tournament. On the other hand, CSK are currently fourth in the points table with six wins from 11 games and are actively vying for a place in the last four. Hence, it is a crucial match for the reigning champions and they will aim to continue their dominance over the runners-up at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday (May 10).
Here’s CSK’s Predicted Playing XI for the match against GT in IPL 2024:
Openers: Ajinkya Rahane, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c)
Ajinkya Rahane was impressive in the last season, but the veteran batter is enduring a tough time this year. He often gets out for cheap scores and fails to give the team a strong start in the powerplay. Notably, Rahane managed just 12 runs at a poor strike rate of 100 in their previous encounter.
The team is being led by Ruturaj Gaikwad from the front. The CSK skipper is currently the second-highest run-scorer in the series with 541 runs at an average of 60.11 and a strike rate of 147.01. He scored 41 runs in the previous match against GT.
Middle-order: Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Sameer Rizvi, MS Dhoni (wk)
Darryl Mitchell hasn’t been impressive in the yellow jersey and his slow knock in the middle overs has been a headache for the management. The Kiwi batter will be under pressure to repay the team’s faith in him. CSK’s main strength in the middle order is the presence of Shivam Dube.
The southpaw is known for his big-hitting, especially against spinners. However, it is noteworthy that he was dismissed for a golden duck in the last two matches against spinners. Sameer Rizvi was in the limelight before the start of the season, but the youngster failed to live up to expectations. Lower down the order, CSK have their former captain MS Dhoni to give a solid finish to their innings.
All-rounders: Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Santner
CSK are blessed with several all-rounder options. Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja and Mitchell Santner are quality spinners who can also ship in with crucial runs. Daryl Mitchell and Shivam Dube can also contribute in the fast-bowling department, though CSK have not used them much in this role.
Notably, Santner conceded just 10 runs in his three overs and took one wicket in the previous outing against Punjab Kings (PBKS). Meanwhile, Jadeja grabbed three wickets at an economy of just 5.00. If the spin duo continues their fine form, the GT batters will have a tough time in the middle order.
Bowlers: Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande
Shardul Thakur and Tushar Deshpande will lead the pace attack for CSK. They will also have the assistance of Impact Player Richard Gleeson. Deshpande was remarkable in the last match against PBKS, picking up two wickets at an economy of just 5.20.
Moreover, he had taken two wickets by conceding 21 runs in the previous clash against GT. The absence of Matheesha Pathirana will hurt CSK but Thakur and Gleeson will look to fill the void. Thakur took a wicket in the last match, while the English pacer went wicket-less and conceded 41 runs in his four overs.
CSK Predicted Playing XI: Ajinkya Rahane, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Sameer Rizvi, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Mitchell Santner, Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande
Impact Player: Richard Gleeson
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