IPL 2024, Match 59: Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings Match Preview

GT vs CSK. (Source -IPL/BCCI)

Gujarat Titans (GT) are set to square off against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in match 59 of the ongoing Indian Premier League 2024 at the grand Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday, May 10.

The Gujarat-based franchise has had a turbulent campaign so far, winning just four matches and losing seven out of the 11 they have played. The 2022 champions are at the bottom of the points table with eight points and are coming into this encounter on the back of three consecutive losses.

The opening duo of captain Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha has been a cause for concern, as their lacklustre performances have reflected onto the team’s overall struggles. In the 11 matches played, the 2023 Orange Cap winner has managed to score 322 runs, at an average of 32.20. Saha’s poor form has further increased the team’s woes, failing to contribute significantly. In contrast, Sai Sudharsan has maintained his impressive form. The left-handed batter has hit 424 runs in 11 matches at an impressive average of 42.40. His strike rate, however, has been a touch short.

While David Miller has contributed with some useful innings, he hasn’t been able to make a significant impact in the tournament so far. On the other hand, Shahrukh Khan’s return to form has been a positive development for the Titans.

Rashid Khan, the Afghan spinner, has been having a disappointing season, managing to take only eight wickets in 11 games. Mohit Sharma started strongly but his performances have declined in recent matches. In 11 matches, he has taken 10 wickets at an average of 39.40.

On the other hand, the five-time champions, are entering this match with high confidence after a strong performance against Punjab Kings. CSK’s captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, has been in exceptional form, especially in the latter part of the season. The right-handed batter is the second-highest run-scorer of the season, scoring 541 runs from 11 matches at an impressive average of 60.11 and a strike rate of 147.01. While Shivam Dube started the season well, his form has dipped in the recent games, scoring 350 runs in 11 matches at an average of 43.75 and a strike rate of 170.73. Ajinkya Rahane has struggled at the top of the order, but the legendary former captain, MS Dhoni, has provided crucial contributions with some fantastic cameos down the order.

CSK will be facing a setback due to the absence of Mustafizur Rahman and Matheesha Pathirana. Rahman, the Bangladeshi pacer, had been in excellent form throughout the tournament, claiming 14 wickets from nine games at an impressive average of 22.71. However, he left the camp to join his national side, Bangladesh, who are scheduled to play a five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe at home. On the other hand, the Sri Lankan pacer, Pathirana, has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a hamstring injury. He concluded the season with 13 wickets from six games.

Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja has kept things tight but has not been among the wickets. In 11 games, he has only picked up eight wickets. But his all-round performance against Punjab Kings will surely be a confidence booster for him going into the next match.

GT is currently placed at No. 10 on the points table, with four wins and as many losses from 11 games. Meanwhile, CSK is positioned at No. 3, having registered six wins and five losses so far in IPL 2024.

Narendra Modi Stadium Pitch Report and Conditions

The pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad presents a well-balanced pitch, assisting both the fast bowlers and the spinners. This surface could potentially lead to a closely contested match between the two teams. The conditions are generally more favourable for batting in the second innings, with the ball coming onto the bat nicely. The team that wins the toss is likely to opt to field first.

Probable Playing XI

Gujarat Titans (GT)

GT might consider replacing the out-of-form wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha with Matthew Wade. However, this move would require them to release one of their overseas players to accommodate Wade in the XI. Additionally, the team’s captain, Shubman Gill, has been struggling with his form, which has impacted the Titans’ overall performance this season. Furthermore, the bowling unit has been ineffective in taking wickets consistently, contributing to the team’s disappointing showing throughout the ongoing season.

Predicted XI: Wriddhiman Saha (WK), Shubman Gill (C), Sai Sudarshan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Shahrukh Khan, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Noor Ahmad, Sandeep Warrier

Impact Player: Mohit Sharma

Also Check: IPL 2024 Points Table

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

The defending champions are facing a major setback with the loss of two of their primary fast bowlers, Mustafizur Rahman and Matheesha Pathirana, at a crucial stage of the tournament. Richard Gleeson, who replaced Pathirana in the playing XI, proved to be an expensive option in the previous match against Punjab Kings. While the batting department has performed reasonably well for the five-time champions, their bowlers will need to step up and take the responsibility of leading the team to victory on the bowling-friendly wicket at Motera.

Predicted 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

GT vs CSK Head-to-Head Record

GT vs CSK, 59th Match Broadcasting details: