Overview
This is that most tantalising of summit clashes, between the IPL’s most modern masters, and the team that refuses to go away, despite so many key players being well into their 30s. The Gujarat Titans are the defending champions, looking to become the first team since Mumbai Indians in 2020 to win back-to-back titles. Their players are already guaranteed both the Orange and Purple caps, but those individual accolades will mean little if they can’t get past Chennai Super Kings, the four-time champions, in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Till last Monday, Chennai had lost each of their three games against Gujarat. That changed on home turf at Chepauk. On a stodgy pitch, their greater knowledge of the conditions was decisive in a 15-run victory. They’re unlikely to get a similar surface in Ahmedabad though. Gujarat have the best bowling attack in the competition, and even their spinners appreciate the true bounce and extra pace they’ve often found on their home pitches.
Shubman Gill is the tournament’s form batter, and the key to the eventual result. He has a fantastic record at this venue, and comes into the match on the back of three centuries in four matches. That kind of streak is almost unheard of in this format, and Chennai will have to get him early to stay in the contest. But Gujarat have other weapons too. Vijay Shankar has batted beautifully, Sai Sudharsan has shown glimpses of real potential, and David Miller still has that finishing touch.
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But their real strength is a bowling attack with no discernible weak links. Mohammed Shami has struck early in almost every game, while Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad provide both control and wickets in the middle overs. Mohit Sharma has come back with a vengeance to become Hardik Pandya’s death-overs specialist. And if it’s a fast-paced track, Pandya himself could be a factor when he nudges the speed gun past 140 km/h.
Chennai have a prolific opening combination in Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad, though Ajinkya Rahane’s form has tailed off a bit after a blistering start. Shivam Dube has had an excellent season, but will doubtlessly be tested by Shami’s pace and accuracy. The old guard of MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali and Ambati Rayudu have only shown rarely been required to play a significant innings.
On paper, this is a contest between the Chennai batting and Gujarat’s bowling, but don’t overlook the shock value that Matheesha Pathirana brings to the Chennai attack with his slingy action. Despite so many injuries and changes in personnel, few are as adept as Dhoni at managing resources and marshalling fielders.
Pandya has clearly modelled himself on Dhoni, and it will be fascinating to see whether it’s the master or the man he mentored that comes out on top.
Venue and Time Details
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. 7.30 PM.
Head-to-head record
Chennai’s win in Qualifier 1 was their first over Gujarat in four attempts. Each of Gujarat’s three wins had come in the final over, while chasing a target.
Expected conditions
The temperature will be hovering around 37C at the start of play, but the relatively low humidity should mean dew isn’t a factor later on. Despite both being proficient at chasing down targets, the big-match vibe may result in the team winning the toss batting first.
Impact Player and Possible XIs
Gujarat will likely bring in Josh Little when they bowl, with Vijay Shankar or Sai Sudharsan making way. For Chennai, Shivam Dube’s finger issues could see him subbed off batting batting, with Matheesha Pathirana taking his place.
Gujarat Titans: Wriddhiman Saha (WK), Shubman Gill, Vijay Shankar, Hardik Pandya (C), Sai Sudharsan, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed, Mohammed Shami, Mohit Sharma.
Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Shivam Dube, Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (C, WK), Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana.
Also Read: Sublime Gill, the Dhoni Effect, and Pathirana X-Factor