Rashid Khan is the trump card for Gujarat Titans at Chepauk: Virender Sehwag

Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag provided his verdict ahead of the crucial Qualifier 1 clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans (GT) as he stated that Rashid Khan will be the ‘trump card’ for the defending champions.

Notably, the two heavyweights will lock horns at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday, May 23, in order to find a direct spot in the summit clash of the IPL 2023. Ahead of Qualifier 1, former batter Sehwag stated that Rashid Khan will play an integral part for Gujarat on the spin-friendly surface at Chepauk.

"Rashid Khan is the trump card for Gujarat. If they want wickets, they bring him. And then the way Hardik has used Rashid, it is commendable. Rashid likes to break partnerships, and now he has become the most successful bowler of this season on the basis of his excellent performance," Sehwag said while speaking to Star Sports Cricket Live.

It is worth mentioning that the Afghan spin sensation is the joint-leading wicket-taker in the top-tier league with 24 scalps in 14 appearances along with teammate Mohammed Shami. He has claimed one four-wicket haul at a solid average economy of 7.82.

Gujarat unbeaten against CSK in IPL

For the record, the defending champions have maintained a terrific stat against the four-time winners in the lucrative T20 league. In three matches played thus far, Hardik Pandya and Co. have stamped their authority on each of the occasions and will be gunning to maintain their winning streak against the yellow outfit.

Notably, the Titans concluded the group stage by comfortably sitting atop the IPL Points Table with 20 points, courtesy of 10 wins. On the flip side, MS Dhoni’s Super Kings are placed second on the table with 17 points, winning eight and one match yielding no result. An exciting clash is on the cards as both teams will be eyeing to cement their place in the summit clash on the first attempt.