IPL 2023: 3 Players Who Will Be Crucial for Chennai Super Kings to Win CSK vs GT Qualifier 1

IPL 2023: After an intense competition during the group stage of the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League, we have our four teams that will compete in the playoffs for the tournament. Qualifier 1 will feature the defending champion Gujarat Titans taking on the four-time champion Chennai Super Kings at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday, May 23. GT ended the group at the top and is probably the hardest team to beat.

On the other hand, after a disappointing season, CSK made a remarkable comeback and ended the group stage in second place with 17 points. However, it will be a great chance for CSK to make it to their 10th IPL final. They will be happier than the two teams, as CSK will play the game on their home ground. It will always be another factor that might help the four-time champion. In this article, we will talk about three important Chennai players in CSK vs GT Qualifier 1.

IPL 2023: 3 Key Players for Chennai Super Kings to Win CSK vs GT Qualifier 1

3. Shivam Dube

The biggest threat for GT bowlers in the middle overs will be Shivam Dube. The left hander has the best performance in the ongoing season and is playing quick cameos in almost every game. This season, he is also the third highest scorer for the team. The biggest positive about him being in the crease is the big shots he plays.

Dube had made 385 runs this season at an average of 38.50 and a brilliant strike rate of 160.42. The left-hander has also scored three half-centuries and 33 sixes, which is the most for the team this season. He just needs three more sixes to break Shane Watson’s record of most sixes (35) for CSK in one season. It will be a tough task for GT if Dube gets going in Qualifier 1.

2. Ruturaj Gaikwad

It has been yet another brilliant season for CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. The 26-year-old has crossed the 500-run mark this season and has been in good form. He is coming off a brilliant game against Delhi Capitals in the last game. Gaikwad played a good knock of 79 off 50 and will look to take the momentum into the big game against GT.

This season, he has scored 504 runs at an average of 42 and a decent strike rate of 148.24, with three half-centuries and 28 sixes. GT will hope that he gets out early because he can also score quickly against spinners, and GT relies heavily on their spinners in the middle. On the other hand, Gaikwad will look to make an impact to help his team make it to yet another IPL final.

1. Devon Conway

Devon Conway has been in red-hot form and is probably one of the prime reasons that CSK made it to their 12th IPL Playoffs. The left-hander is giving good starts in probably every game this season, which is one of the reasons that he is sitting at the top of the run scorers for the franchise. In short, he is the run machine for Chennai in the IPL 2023.

Conway has scored 585 runs in 13 innings at an excellent average of 53.18 and a strike rate of 138.63. He has also scored six half-centuries this season and is the biggest player in the current CSK lineup. GT will have to remove him as early as possible because he has everything to turn the game in Chennai’s favor on his own.