CSK vs GT has the atmosphere of a final before a final. Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings are the only two IPL teams that are evenly balanced on all fronts. Gujarat won in their first encounter in the game’s opening match, but CSK has gone a long way since back then. They have been as consistent as the Titans, thus MS Dhoni’s team will have a minor advantage given that the game is at Chepauk. While playing at home, the wave of “yellow” supporting them from the stands does become a factor, despite the importance of their understanding and awareness of the dimensions of the field and the characteristics of the pitch. Add a third overlooked factor to that.
Most likely, Dhoni is competing in his final IPL game in Chepauk. The team’s attention hasn’t been diverted by the captain’s announcement since he understands better than anybody else that his knees are no longer up to the demands of premier cricket. The 41-year-old’s colleagues would also like to see Dhoni depart Chepauk, which has given him so much, with a victory.
However, a team that matches CSK man for man stands in the way. If CSK has a strong starting pair, Titans have Shubman Gill, who just scored the game-winning century against RCB and is travelling to Chennai.
Also read, Shubman Gill on CSK vs GT in Qualifier 1: ‘It’s going to be an exciting one’
How can CSK win in CSK vs GT qualifier:
If CSK manage to get Gill out early, there is a feeling that the Titans middle-order could be put under pressure. Hardik Pandya hasn’t been in his best batting form while Dhoni knows how to deal with domestic players like Vijay Shankar and Rahul Tewatia.
The Afghan wrist spin combination of Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad will compete against CSK’s spin trio of Ravindra Jadeja, Maheesh Theekshana, and Moeen Ali. And the crafty old Mohammed Shami will provide fierce challenge for the stunning new slinger Matheesha Pathirana. It is imperative that David Miller make amends in such a circumstance. The South African has the skills and experience to dismantle the CSK attack, so Dhoni will be hoping that the slow surface and the expertise of his bowlers can help them out against the dasher. Even if Rashid, Shami, and Noor are excellent, Mohit Sharma and Yash Dayal will be under a lot of pressure.
It is important to remember that both of the teams are in great form so it’s like two equal opposites playing against each other. It will be fun to see how to match turns out after so much anticipation of CSK vs GT.
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