Defending champions Gujarat Titans will lock horns against four-time champions Chennai Super Kings in the ‘Qualifier 1’ fixture of the ongoing 16th season of the Indian Premier League, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
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Both teams have arrived in Chennai on the back of registering thumping victories during their previous respective matches of the league stage. While CSK’s batting order clicked yet again, GT’s knack of nailing run-chases acted as the decisive nail in the coffin for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
It is quite a challenge to pick the favourites to win the clash tomorrow. Chennai have the home advantage and are pretty well versed with the conditions at the Chapauk Stadium this season, while Gujarat will play their first match this year at this venue.
Having said that, the Hardik Pandya-led side have had the wood over the ‘Yellow Army’ in the league. MS Dhoni‘s men have been on the wrong side of the result in each of three matches they have played against Titans since IPL 2022.
GT vs CSK MA Chidambaram Stadium Pitch Report
The MA Chidambaram Stadium did not play true to its spin-heavy nature for most parts of ongoing season. However, the spinners have yet again come to their own since the previous three matches as this venue.
As per Cricbuzz, the average score during the first four IPL 2023 matches in Chennai was 182 runs. But, the next three matches saw the same being reduced to 150 runs with the pitch slowing down every passing match.
Post the previous match between Chennai and Kolkata, MS Dhoni had opined to Star Sports that the pitch did stay true to it spin-friendly nature during the first innings, but got better for the batters during the latter half of the match.
“One of those days when you win the toss and bat first and the moment the first ball was bowled in the second innings, you realise it is a 180 wicket. If you compare the first innings to the second innings, there was a lot more purchase for the spinners in the first innings and that’s what really got to us.”
Tomorrow’s match, however, will be played on the pitch where Chennai and Punjab had collectively hit more than 400 runs across the 40 Overs. Thus, one can expect a rather balanced contest between bat and ball during ‘Qualifier 1’, with spinners likely to have an edge over the pacers.
With the dew likely to be a factor as well, expect captain winning the Toss to bat first.
