3 factors which work in CSK's favor ahead of the IPL 2023 Qualifier 1
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are on the hunt for a record-equaling fifth Indian Premier League (IPL) title, having finished in the top two to seal their place in Qualifier 1. They will take on the Gujarat Titans (GT) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday, May 23.
The Men in Yellow will face a serious challenge in the form of the defending champions, who have won all three of their previous meetings. Key GT players are in terrific form and they also have the spin attack to trouble the home side.
At the same time, though, the Super Kings won't be outmatched in several departments. They have the firepower to secure their spot in the final and will bank on certain key match-defining elements to ensure that they do it on their first attempt.
Here are three factors which work in CSK's favor ahead of the IPL 2023 Qualifier 1.
#3 CSK have a settled combination they have stuck with through thick and thin
CSK and stability go hand-in-hand. MS Dhoni and the team's think tank are known to back their players through thick and thin, and they've stuck to a largely similar combination in IPL 2023.
Even when the Super Kings were going through a rough patch midway through the season, with only one win in four matches, they didn't make any drastic changes to their side. Deepak Chahar's return from injury was the only tweak they made, and the swing bowler has repaid his captain's faith in him.
CSK's players have clearly defined roles, which is something that can't always be said about GT. Hardik Pandya seems to decide his role in the side on a whim, and they might also be forced to ring in a couple of changes for the playoffs.
#2 The Super Kings' openers have been in red-hot form in IPL 2023
Much of CSK's success in IPL 2023 can be attributed to their opening pair. It's been two seasons now without Faf du Plessis, but Devon Conway has struck just as meaningful a partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Conway is the side's leading run-scorer this season with 585 runs at an average of 53.18 and a strike rate of 138.62. He has as many as six fifties to his name. Gaikwad has also crossed the 500-run mark, and although his average drops down to 42, his strike rate is an impressive 148.23.
More importantly, Conway and Gaikwad know just how to deal with different oppositions. They've balanced risk-taking with conservative cricket masterfully this year, complementing each other perfectly. The duo have also been excellent at home...
#1 Chennai are playing at their beloved Chepauk
CSK are good at home, even better than any other side in the IPL over the years. The Men in Yellow have won 45 of their 67 matches at the venue, an unrivaled win rate for a T20 outfit.
This season has seen fans of the franchise flock to venues across the country, none more so than at Chepauk. CSK's home has been a raucous wall of yellow throughout the competition.
Not to mention the fact that the spin-friendly nature of the ground often plays into the home side's hands, although that may not be the case against GT.
Things would've been different at any other venue, but the Chepauk factor is real. You can never count CSK out at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, even if they play an opposition considerably better than them on paper.