The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is underway, and the first round of matches has produced some absolute shockers across venues in the sprawling nations.
The country’s cricket-mad crowd has greeted the T20 extravaganza with enthusiasm, and nowhere is this more evident than in Chennai, where passionate fans of the tournament’s joint most successful side, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), launched their 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 once more ahead of the curtain-raiser by handing over the reins to the young opener Ruturaj Gaikwad, who began life as skipper of the team steeped in winning tradition with a memorable victory over the neighbours.
The team’s next match is against the two-time finalists Gujarat Titans, in a rematch of the previous year’s finals, as the Ahmedabad-based side visits the Chepauk.
The Gujarat team began their new era under newly appointed captain Shubman Gill with a statement victory at home over the likes of five-time champions Mumbai Indians. Gujarat defeated their former captain, Hardik Pandya, who now leads the MI, and will face off at the Champions’ Den.
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, which is synonymous with consistency in terms of performance and process, picked up two points against RCB, with new recruit Mustafizur Rahman shining brightly with a four-wicket haul on the hallowed MA Chidambaram pitch before the batters rounded off a victorious performance. Rachin Ravindra and Daryll Mitchell, the team’s new recruits from New Zealand, appear to have embraced the CSK culture, as they contributed significantly in the previous match.
The hosts will most likely stick with the same side that defeated RCB on Friday, with Ravindra, Mitchell, Rahman, and Maheesh Theekshana as the four overseas players.
The Gaikwad-led side received a boost with 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 appear 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 draw level with a win at the Stadium overlooking the bespoke Marina beach.
Chennai-born Sai Sudharshan, who plays for the Titans, will return to his hometown in opposition colours. The southpaw has had a strong start to the season, scoring the most for GT yet again in a win over MI. Gill, who appeared assertive with his commanding strokeplay before being dismissed for 31 by star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, will look to lead from the front as he seeks his 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, who have enough firepower to beat 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 build on their strong start to the tournament, with no major changes expected after the bowling and batting departments performed admirably to secure a victory at the Ahmedabad pitch on Saturday. Gill and the GT think tank will most likely err on the side of caution and stick with the combination that worked well 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