CSK Playing XI vs GT: Chennai Super Kings have some good and bad news both. While MS Dhoni managing his knee injury and has got the green signal from CSK medical team, the 4-time champions are without Ben Stokes. The England captain has returned home to prepare for Ireland Test and Ashes 2023. With the MA Chidambaram Stadium pitch all set to aid spinners, CSK could add a 4th spin option in Mitchell Santner for Matheesha Pathirana for Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans. Follow CSK vs GT IPL 2023 Qualifier 1 LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.
Chennai Super Kings Playing XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(w/c), Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana
MS Dhoni has had a nagging knee problem since the start of the tournament. While did manage the injury and played with it. But Dhoni was seen with heavy strappings on his knee following CSK’s match against Delhi Capitals. InsideSport understands that Dhoni is fit to play and will continue to manage the injury.
Also Read: IPL Playoffs 2023: Check GT, CSK, LSG & MI Records in Playoffs
CSK Playing XI vs GT: Will CSK make changes to Playing XI?
- CSK stick to their team for a longer duration. Hence, it is expected that CSK won’t tinker with their winning combination.
- However, the question mark is on Ambati Rayudu.
- He has struggled throughout the season, scoring just 122 runs in 13 games.
- But in an important game against GT, CSK are likely to stick with him as an Impact Player.
- In the batting department, there is no need to change anything as the two openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway are firing from all cylinders.
- At No 4, Shivam Dube too has been a revelation this season.
- Moeen Ali has adopted his new role well.
- Ajinkya Rahane, although has had a dip at No 3, will continue as he will be one of the best batters against GT’s spin Afghan spin twins of Noor Ahmed and Rashid Khan.
In the bowling department, CSK’s spin trio — Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali, and Maheesh Theekshana — have done well in patches. Even when someone has had a bad day, others have stepped up.
But the Chepauk (MA Chidambaram Stadium) pitch could force the side to pick an additional spinner. Mitchell Santner has warmed the bench and Maheesh Theekshana has been the preferred option. Matheesh Pathirana has done exceptionally well as a middle-over and death overs specialist.
Deepak Chahar and Tushar Deshpande are also amongst the wickets. Hence, it’s going to be a tough call for MS Dhoni. As three overseas players are in CSK Playing XI, the best option will be to go with an additional spinner in Santner in place of a misfiring Ambati Rayudu.
Chennai Super Kings Squad: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(w/c), Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Nishant Sindhu, Subhranshu Senapati, Shaik Rasheed, Akash Singh, Dwaine Pretorius, Mitchell Santner, Sisanda Magala, Ben Stokes, Ajay Jadav Mandal, Prashant Solanki, RS Hangargekar, Bhagath Varma, Simarjeet Singh
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