The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is underway and the first round of matches have offered some absolute humdingers across venues in the sprawling nations.
The cricket-mad crowd of the country has welcomed the T20 extravaganza with warmth and love is nowhere more evident than at Chennai as the passionate supporters of the joint most successful side in the long illustrious history of the tournament, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), strongly opened the title defence with a collective performance against cross-state rivals Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the season opener.
MS Dhoni, the captain of surprises, startled the nation yet again ahead of the curtain-raiser by handing over the reins to the young opener Ruturaj Gaikwad, who began life as skipper of the side steeped in winning tradition with a memorable win over the neighbours.
The side’s next assignment is against the two-time finalists Gujarat Titans, in a replay of the previous year’s finals, as the Ahmedabad-based side comes visiting the Chepauk.
The side from Gujarat began their new era under the leadership of newly appointed skipper Shubman Gill, with a statement triumph against the likes of five-time winners Mumbai Indians at home. Gujarat got one over their former skipper Hardik Pandya, who now leads the MI, and will come into the fixture at the Champions’ Den.
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What: CSK vs GT, Match 7, IPL 2024
When: March 26, 2024, 7:30 PM IST
Where: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai
Where to Watch: Jio Cinema App and website
CSK Teams News
Chennai, who are synonymous with consistency, in terms of performance and process, picked up two points against RCB as their new recruit Mustafizur Rahman shone bright with a four-wicket haul on the hallowed MA Chidambaram pitch before the batters rounded off a victorious performance. The side’s new conscripts from New Zealand, Rachin Ravindra and Daryll Mitchell seem to have bought into the CSK culture as they chipped in with valuable contributions in the previous encounter.
The hosts would most probably stick to the same side that picked up the two points over RCB on Friday with Ravindra, Mitchell, Rahman and Maheesh Theekshana as the four overseas players.
The Gaikwad-led side were handed a boost by the arrival of last season’s star pacer Matheesha Patheerana, who joined up with the camp over the weekend.
CSK Playing XI
Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), MS Dhoni (Wk), Rachin Ravindra, Ajinkya Rahane, Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Maheesh Theekshana, and Mustafizur Rahman
GT Team News
The new-look Gujarat look sharp, thanks to the active addition to their bowling unit with Azmathullah Omarzai, Spencer Johnson, Umesh Yadav and Mohit Sharma making, an impact against MI. Gill’s GT travel to Madras with their collars up thanks to their superior 3-2 head-to-head record over the holders, who have the opportunity to pull back on level terms with a win at the Stadium overlooking the bespoke Marina beach.
Chennai-born Sai Sudharshan, who plies his trade for the Titans, will return to home soil in opposition colours. The southpaw has started the nascent campaign well as he top-scored yet again for GT, this time in a winning cause against MI. Gill, who looked assertive with his commanding strokeplay until he was dismissed for 31 by star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, will look to lead from the front as he goes in search of a second orange cap in as many seasons.
GT also pose a threat with the abilities of star all-rounders Rashid Khan, David Miller and Rahul Tewatia have enough firepower to get the beating of any team on their day, however, taking on the mighty Super Kings in their own backyard is a herculean task.
The Gujarat Titans will also look to continue their good start to the tournament and no big changes are expected as the bowling and batting departments fared well to open with a win at the Ahmedabad pitch on Saturday. Gill and the GT think tank will likely err on the side of caution and go out with the same combination that proved successful in the opener.
GT Playing XI
Shubman Gill (C), Wriddhiman Saha (Wk), Sai Sudharsan, David Miller, Vijay Shankar, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Spencer Johnson, Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma
CSK vs GT Pitch Report
The Chennai wicket, which usually offers up good purchases for the spinners, could prove kind to the bowling fortunes of both teams, who boast strong spin units. The Dhoni-mad crowd will descend upon the MAC in anticipation of a high-scoring encounter that could go down to the wire.
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