IPL 2023: Qualifier 1, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Predicted Playing XI vs Gujarat Titans

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) sealed their spot in the final four of IPL 2023 after a resounding victory against a struggling Delhi Capitals in their last league fixture. Their victory came on the back of a sumptuous batting performance from their star openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway.

While the batters posted a daunting total on the board, the bowlers, led by Deepak Chahar never let the Delhi batters get away in the chase, constantly chipping at the wickets to seal a comfortable victory. However, the Yellow Army faces their biggest test yet, when they square off against the high-flying Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1 at the Chepauk.

Let’s look at Chennai Super Kings’ probable playing XI against Gujarat Titans for Qualifier 1 of IPL 2023

Openers: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway

Following a couple of low scores in his last two outings, CSK's young Indian opener Ruturaj Gaikwad looked in ominous touch against a hapless Delhi Capitals bowling unit. The stylish opener smashed a blistering half-century, compiling 79 runs in just 50 deliveries to ensure a swashbuckling start to the Yellow Army in their last league outing.

Chennai's 'Mr. Consitent' Devon Conway also piled the runs from the other end as the star opening duo combined for a mammoth 141-run opening stand in Delhi. While Gaikwad departed after his fiery innings, Conway kept the pressure on the opposition bowlers, only to miss out on a maiden IPL century by just 13 runs.

Middle-order: Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube

Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane did not get an opportunity to bat in his side's last league fixture. The classy batter, who started this year's tournament with a bang, has hit a bit of a rut off late and will be hoping to get back in the groove in the all-important clash against the defending champions. Ambati Rayudu, who has been used as a utility batter this season, also did not get a chance to bat in the game against Delhi Capitals.

Meanwhile, CSK's hard-hitting Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube has found a new lease of life in this year's competition. The southpaw is playing with plenty of freedom this season, and he went on another six-hitting spree in his last outing against Delhi Capitals. He smashed three sixes in his nine-ball stay in an explosive cameo to propel his side to a daunting total.

All-rounders: Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (c & wk)

England's star all-rounder Moeen Ali was a spectator for much of his side's clash against Delhi Capitals as he neither got a chance to bat nor ball. His only contribution in the contest came in the field as he snaffled two decent catches.

Unlike Moeen, Ravindra Jadeja was in the thick of action against David Warner's men. The southpaw chipped in with a fiery cameo, smoking 20 runs in just seven deliveries to take the Yellow Army to 223 runs in their 20 overs. However, he endured a hard time with the ball, especially against Warner, as he was taken for 50 runs in his four overs.

There was no pyro techniques from MS Dhoni this time around as the iconic CSK skipper managed just five runs in the four deliveries he faced in the match. However, he was spot on with his tactical changes in the second innings and will be looking forward to the clash against Gujarat Titans in their upcoming crunch encounter.

Bowlers: Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana

Chennai's star Indian pacer Deepak Chahar rolled back the years with an exceptional bowling performance with the new ball against Delhi Capitals. The right-arm pacer dismissed the dangerous Phil Salt and Rilee Rossouw on consecutive deliveries to derail Delhi's chase. He returned with glittering figures of 3/22 in his four overs.

Young Indian tearaway pacer Tushar Deshpande has improved leaps and bounces since his first outing in this year's tournament and his skills were on full display against Delhi Capitals. The young pacer, who is Chennai's leading wicket-taker this season, returned with miserly figures of 1/26 in his four overs. 

Sri Lankan mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana also put on a much better bowling display against Delhi Capitals as the canny spinner conceded just 23 runs in his four overs, scalping two wickets to pile the pressure on the Delhi-based outfit.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)  Probable Playing XI:

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Probable Impact Players:

Matheesha Pathirana, Simarjeet Singh, Akash Singh, Prashant Solanki, Rajvardhan Hangargekar