IPL 2023: Chennai Super Kings vs Gujarat Titans, Qualifier 1 - Talking Points and Who Said What?

The Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 featured a clash between the four-time champions Chennai Super Kings and the Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday, May 23.

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway helped Chennai post 172 runs on the board in the first innings, and coming in to chase the target, Gujarat Titans were unable to capitalise during the run chase as they succumbed to a hefty loss.

Here are the Talking Points from the CSK vs GT clash-

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s class

Star Indian batter Ruturaj Gaikwad once again came in clutch for Chennai Super Kings in the first qualifier. Opening the innings for the four-time champions in the first innings, the 26-year-old amassed 60 runs to his name in 44 deliveries. His knock was crucial to Chennai notching up a good total on the board and ultimately propelling them to the final.

Shubman Gill’s effort

The 23-year-old, Shubman Gill, was the highest run-getter for Gujarat Titans during the run chase. Attempting to chase a target of 173 runs, Gill scored 42 runs in 38 deliveries. However, his knock proved to be in vain as Chennai ultimately won the game, but Gill did put in a resilient effort.

Ravindra Jadeja’s spell

Veteran Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was sensational with the ball for Chennai Super Kings in the second innings. The 34-year-old scored 22 runs in the first innings, but his spell with the ball was exceptional. Bowling four overs during the run chase, Jadeja took two wickets and conceded just 18 runs. 

Losing skipper Hardik Pandya said-

I think we were quite spot-on (with the ball), but we made basic errors and that costed us the game. The kind of bowlers we had, I felt we conceded 15 extra runs. A lot of things we did right. We bowled a couple of soft balls in between. We were executing our plans and then in between we gave some runs. I don't think we need to look much into it. We have to play two days later, we have to play one more game to make sure we reach the final. Just focus on the things that we've done really well this season. That's the beauty about him (Dhoni), with his mind and the way he uses the bowlers, he'll make sure that you'll feel like he's adding 10 runs. We kept losing wickets, he kept changing the bowlers, credit to him. Would be nice to meet him on Sunday. Regrets are not good in life. We expected dew would come, it didn't come. We didn't do right in both the departments. We'll give a crack again after two days.

Winning skipper MS Dhoni said-

IPL is too big to say it's just another final. Used to be 8 top teams, now it's 10. I won't say it's just another final. It's hard work of 2 months. Everybody has contributed. Yes, middle-order has not got ample opportunity. GT are a fantastic team and they've chased very well, so the thought was to get them in. But it was a good toss to lose. If Jaddu gets conditions that help him. he's very difficult to hit. His bowling changed the game. Not to forget his partnership with Moeen. We try to create an environment and work out what is the strength of a fast bowler. We try to give them confidence and tell them 'please try to explore your bowling'. We try to motivate them as much as possible. Support staff is there, Bravo and Eric are there. You see the wicket and according to that you keep adjusting the field. I can be a very annoying captain, I keep shifting fielders 2-3 feet. Only request I ask from the fielders is, keep an eye on me. If there's a dropped catch there will be no reaction (from me), just keep an eye on me. I don't know (back next year?) - I have 8-9 months to decide. Why take that headache now. I'll always be there for CSK, where it's playing or something outside.

Player of the Match Ruturaj Gaikwad said-

Last 3-4 games in Chennai have been different. First few games wicket was better. Have had to adapt. Look to rotate strike, capitalise on loose deliveries. Both are great players (Conway and Faf). Faf was someone who was aggressive from ball one. Conway has great batsmanship. I would say the knock of 60 (what was more satisfying - 60 or the catch).