IPL 2024: Chennai Super Kings strongest predicted playing XI against Gujarat Titans

Gujarat Titans (GT) will be taking on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 59th match of the IPL 2024. It will be a must-win game for GT to stay alive in the tournament. Their current chances of making it to the playoffs are slim and would be nil if they fail to beat CSK. On the other hand, the defending champions need to claim a win to ensure they are actively ahead of other teams in the race for the playoffs. Many teams that are placed below them in the table are still alive in the race.

The likes of DC, LSG, RCB, and PBKS can make it to the playoffs with certain results going their way. Hence, CSK needs to win by a big margin to maintain a consistent run in the league. The match between GT and CSK is set to take place at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on the 10th of May 2024 at 7:30 PM (IST). CSK will be the favorites to win the match given the composition of their team. GT has one of the poorest teams on paper and needs inspiring performances from the individuals to claim a win.

The last time these two sides met each other, CSK registered a massive win in Chepauk. The knocks of Shivam Dube and Rachin Ravindra helped CSK beat GT by over 60 runs. The defending champions need a similar performance from the team as they will be up against GT in their own backyard. At the same venue, both teams played the final of the IPL 2023. CSK won the thrilling final in the last ball of the match to claim their fifth IPL title. GT needs to step up and provide a good fight to CSK.

Here is the strongest predicted playing XI of CSK for the 59th match of the IPL 2024 against GT -

Openers - Ajinkya Rahane and Ruturaj Gaikwad (C)

At the top of the order, CSK is likely to continue with the pair of Ajinkya Rahane and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Rahane has been batting badly this season. The experienced batter has either had a negative impact on the side or has been dismissed early in the innings. He needs to bat aggressively like he did in the last season. CSK does not have a lot of options to replace him. Hence, there is a need for the 35-year-old to step up for the side. As a fielder, Rahane has done a good job. 

At the other end, CSK has Ruturaj Gaikwad. The star batter has been in brilliant form in the last few matches. He performed well in the games against LSG and SRH by scoring a hundred and 98, respectively. In the last couple of games against PBKS, he did well. Gaikwad's consistency is the key for CSK to proceed further in the league. As a skipper, he has improved a lot. In the last few games, CSK's batting has revolved around him. Hence, his role as a batter at the top of the order will be important.

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Middle order - Daryl Mitchell, Sameer Rizvi, and MS Dhoni (WK)

At number 3, Daryl Mitchell is likely to be backed by CSK. In the absence of some key bowlers and the poor form of some batters, CSK has no option but to trust Mitchell. He batted well against SRH but could not repeat the feat against PBKS. He needs to be aggressive as a batter and play well against spinners. To follow him, CSK has a young option like Sameer Rizvi. The youngster has failed to live up to the expectations so far and needs to step up against GT.

CSK has some good options in the lower middle order like Sameer Rizvi and MS Dhoni. Both of them are contrasting concerning age. However, both bat with the same intent of hitting boundaries at will. While Rizvi has not been able to replicate what he did in the UP T20 league, MS Dhoni has been brilliant as a batter. He has 110 runs at a strike rate of over 224 at a batting average of 55. However, the 42-year-old must bat up the order and face more overs than he is currently facing.

Check Here: GT vs CSK Dream11 Team Prediction

All-rounders - Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, Mitchell Santner, and Ravindra Jadeja 

CSK has some of the best all-rounders. Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja are two of the best all-rounders in the modern day. Moeen did not get many chances in the first five games for CSK. The Southpaw batted well in the last game against LSG, where he smashed three sixes in an over against Ravi Bishnoi. It must be enough for CSK to back him. Ravindra Jadeja was surprisingly promoted up the order against some teams. He needs to be backed as a pure finisher.

In case of a collapse, CSK is likely to use Jadeja as a middle order batter. In such cases, Shivam Dube will bat at number 5. In the last couple of games, Dube has registered golden ducks. Otherwise, he has been one of the best batters in the league. The Southpaw can smash both pacers and spinners well. If required, he can be handy with the ball. CSK is likely to back Mitchell Santner who bowled a brilliant spell against PBKS. He is economical with the ball and can play fine cameos. 

Click Here: GT vs CSK, Match 59 - Live Cricket Score

Bowlers - Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande, and Richard Gleeson (Impact substitute)

CSK has a decent bowling lineup. In the powerplay overs, Richard Gleeson is likely to be used. The pace bowler replaced the injured Deepak Chahar and has bowled reasonably well so far. If required, he can bowl an over or two at the death. To partner him with the new ball is likely to be Tushar Deshpande. The emerging pacer can swing the ball away from the right-handers at a pace of over 140 kmph. Tushar can bowl an over at the death as well given his wide yorkers.

Mustafizur Rahman and Matheesha Pathirana will be a big miss for CSK. The duo could operate in the middle and the death-overs for CSK. In their absence, Shardul Thakur has been backed by CSK. The established player has a golden arm and can claim wickets in the middle overs. Tushar and Gleeson need to take more responsibilities at the death. Jadeja and Moeen will bowl in the middle overs. Santner can also be handy with his economical spells at the top. 

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CSK's predicted XI against GT -

Ajinkya Rahane, Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Sameer Rizvi, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (WK), Mitchell Santner, Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande

Impact Substitute: Richard Gleeson