Gujarat Titans Predicted Playing XI vs Chennai Super Kings for Qualifier 1 of IPL 2023
The Gujarat Titans (GT) will lock horns with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Qualifier 1 of the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday, May 23.
With 10 wins from 14 matches, the defending champions cruised into the playoffs and even sealed the top spot in the standings. They will make their second straight appearance in Qualifier 1 after reaching the stage in their maiden campaign last year.
The Titans may be forced into a couple of changes for the contest even though their general inclination is to stick with a stable combination. With a key man returning to the fold and certain current starters underperforming, it might be in their best interests to switch things up slightly.
Here is GT's predicted playing XI for Qualifier 1 of IPL 2023 against CSK.
Note: Playing XIs are bound to vary majorly in IPL 2023, with the introduction of the impact player rule as well as captains having the chance to name their side after the result of the toss is known.
GT vs CSK: GT Predicted Playing 11 vs CSK in IPL 2023
Yash Dayal spent five weeks on the sidelines after his horror outing against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) before returning to the fold against the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH). He has played two games since then, picking up a wicket in each and conceding a total of 70 runs.
Dayal might not have done enough to retain his place in the side, having not inspired much confidence at any stage of the innings. Josh Little, who was one of GT's most reliable performers before heading off for international duty, is the frontrunner to return to the side.
Alzarri Joseph is another option, but the fast bowler doesn't seem to enjoy the faith of the team management. Little will offer a left-arm option to make up for Dayal's absence and reportedly bowled extensively on the eve of the match.
Little's inclusion would leave GT without an overseas spot to accommodate Dasun Shanaka, who hasn't done much of note since being handed an IPL debut. They shouldn't have any trouble with replacing him, though, with Abhinav Manohar and B Sai Sudharsan waiting in the wings.
The Titans will need to choose between Manohar and Sudharsan, and it won't be an easy choice. It could go either way. They might want an additional left-hander to counter Ravindra Jadeja, while Manohar offers a little more explosiveness and six-hitting ability. The batter they choose is likely to come in as the impact player.
The rest of GT's playing XI is bound to wear a similar look. Mohit Sharma could be subbed out for one of the batters.
GT's predicted playing XI for Qualifier 1 of IPL 2023: Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Hardik Pandya (c), Vijay Shankar, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Josh Little, Mohammad Shami, Noor Ahmad, Mohit Sharma.
Impact player candidates: Shivam Mavi, B Sai Sudharsan, R Sai Kishore, Jayant Yadav, Abhinav Manohar.