IPL Final 2023: CSK and GT prepare for the showdown
After thoroughly annihilating Mumbai Indians in the Qualifier 2, Gujarat Titans (GT) cruised towards the IPL 2023 Final. The defending champions reached their second final on the trot, defeating MI by 62 runs. GT will cash-in their title against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday, May 28, at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The Titans relished a magnificent campaign throughout the group phase as they concluded with 20 points in 14 matches, sitting comfortably atop the points table. However, the defending champions’ title hopes took a hit when they squared off against MS Dhoni’s Super Kings in the Qualifier 1 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
The ‘Yellow Brigade’ asserted their dominance in the match thereby winning by 15 runs and in the process. Chennai became the first team to cement their place in the IPL Final. Gujarat had one last shot in making it to the summit clash with their match against Mumbai Indians.
The defending champions came up with a resounding win. Opener Shubman Gill’s scintillating ton (129 off 60 balls) coupled with Mohit Sharma’s five-wicket haul (5/10 in 2.2 overs) blew Mumbai away to register their place in the summit clash.
Gujarat Titans will undoubtedly seek redemption at home against CSK and look to secure a second trophy. On the other hand, Chennai are just one win away from lifting their record-leveling fifth title. CSK will be gunning to come all guns blazing and push through in the final.
Speaking about their head-to-head records in the competition, the heavyweights have met on four occasions with the Titans having a massive upper hand with three wins to CSK’s one. While the pitch will play differently as compared to the last meeting at Chepauk, a run-fest could likely be on the cards in Ahmedabad. In any case, Sunday’s blockbuster final will undoubtedly be a high-voltage thriller and both sides will look to attain glory once again.
Pitch and conditions
The 22-yard-strip in Ahmedabad has offered assistance for batters and they will look to make the most from the wicket. In addition to this, bowlers will need to be razor sharp with their line and length to get the breakthroughs. However, a run-fest is likely to be on the cards on Sunday’s blockbuster.
Venue details: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Last T20 match at the venue: GT- 233/3 (20 overs), MI- 171/10 (18.2 overs)
Probable XI for CSK vs GT:
Chennai Super Kings
CSK played scintillating cricket in the Qualifier 1 against GT and will likely play the same XI. Experimenting with a few new faces may not be their best course. Hence, the think tank could back the same setup.
Gujarat Titans
GT will most-likely go with the same line up and not prefer not changing the setup for the Final. Moreover, with the likes with Mohit Sharma and Shami performing exceedingly well with the ball coupled with spin options such as Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, the side has struck balance in their XI.
