"This could be his match" - Aakash Chopra expects underperforming CSK batter to fire in IPL 2023 Qualifier 1 clash vs GT
Aakash Chopra has pointed out that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have depth in batting. He also expects the underperforming Ambati Rayudu to fire with the bat in their IPL 2023 Qualifier 1 clash against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Chennai on Tuesday, May 23.
The four-time champions have predominantly used Rayudu as the Impact Player in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League. The veteran batter has aggregated just 122 runs at a below-par average of 15.25 in his 10 innings thus far.
While reflecting on the Chennai Super Kings' batting in a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra opined that Rayudu could come in handy in tackling Rashid Khan's threat, stating:
"They have the depth in batting. There is no doubt about that. Ambati Rayudu hasn't scored runs thus far but this could be his match because he might play Rashid Khan well."
The former Indian opener does not see Ajinkya Rahane batting at No. 3 for CSK in the Qualifier 1 clash, reasoning:
"One thing we have seen with Chennai's team is that they are not sending Ajinkya Rahane regularly at No. 3. I will tell you why. This pitch is not suiting him. Ajinkya Rahane's numbers are extremely ordinary at Chepauk. That is why he is moved below No. 3. They are absolutely okay with it if he doesn't get to bat at all."
Chopra also picked Moeen Ali's indifferent form as a slight issue in the batting department, elaborating:
"They didn't get Moeen Ali to bowl in the last match and his batting is not going good. So I see it as a minor concern. Shivam Dube is in red-hot form, so that's brilliant. Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) is batting well. I don't know why he is putting cryptic tweets. After that, MS Dhoni."
Moeen has managed a paltry 115 runs at an underwhelming average of 16.43 in his nine innings. The spin-bowling all-rounder hasn't been at his wicket-taking best with the ball either and didn't get to bowl or bat in CSK's last game against the Delhi Capitals.
"Maheesh Theekshana has picked up just one wicket on this ground" - Aakash Chopra on CSK's bowling concern
![Maheesh Theekshana has picked up nine wickets in 11 matches in IPL 2023. [P/C: iplt20.com]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/05/d526b-16848219610417-1920.jpg?w=500)
Aakash Chopra concluded by picking Maheesh Theekshana's lack of wickets at Chepauk as a minor concern in the bowling department for CSK, observing:
"One more thing is that Maheesh Theekshana has picked up just one wicket on this ground. He doesn't pick up wickets here. That is a slight problem. Matheesha Pathirana does well. Then Jaddu and it will be quite interesting to see how much Moeen Ali is used."
Tushar Deshpande (20), Ravindra Jadeja (17) and Matheesha Pathirana (15) are CSK's most successful bowlers in IPL 2023. They will expect Deepak Chahar, who has picked up 10 wickets in the last four matches, to strike a few blows with the new ball and give them the early ascendancy during the Titans' innings.