Dhoni’s fans will face Pandya’s Paltan in the first qualifier

Chennai: Chennai Super Kings, who are dreaming of winning the title in Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s final IPL season, will face defending champions Gujarat Titans in the first qualifier on Tuesday. Gujarat may have topped the table by winning 10 out of 14 league matches, but it will not be easy for them to beat Chennai at the Chepauk Stadium. Hardik Pandya’s team conquered the Chepauk fort in the opening match of IPL 2023 and would like to adopt the same strategy this time as well. Chennai, who have found momentum after a slow start to the tournament, will also be at their heels to thwart Gujarat’s plans.

Dhoni’s menace will first have to deal with Gujarat opener and future of Indian cricket Shubman Gill. Gill is coming off the back of two centuries in the last two IPL matches, one of which saw Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ousted from the IPL. He has scored 680 runs this season at an average of 56.57 and a strike rate of 152.47. Gill’s form could prove to be a headache for Chennai on Tuesday. In such a situation, Chennai will hope that Deepak Chahar can take quick wickets in the initial overs with his swing.

Chahar has been in full form with six wickets in the last two matches, while young Sri Lankan pacer Mathisha Pathirana has also been impressive in the death overs this season. The pair, if at their 100 per cent performance, can cause deep damage to Gujarat’s batting. Gujarat’s middle order, however, will be the biggest challenge before these bowlers. Vijay Shankar has also made a place with his fiery batting in a team adorned with explosive batsmen like Hardik Pandya, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan. It is a good sign for Gujarat that different batsmen have shown their mettle in different matches.

On the other hand, Chennai’s batting has also adopted ‘aggressive approach’ this season and after thrashing Delhi Capitals by 77 runs in the last match, this team will be on top of confidence. The challenge, however, will not be an easy one for the Chennai batsmen as they have to face two of the best bowlers of IPL 2023. While Mohammed Shami, who is number one in the list of highest wicket-takers this season, can worry Chennai with swing in the early overs, Rashid Khan, who is in second place along with his compatriot Noor Ahmed, has the ability to spin Chennai. Are. Nevertheless, Chennai can hope to win on their home ground, in front of a home crowd, with experienced players like Devon Conway and young talents like Shivam Dube.