CSK vs GT is the grand finale of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season. Four-time winners, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), are playing in an IPL final for the first time since the 2021 edition, where the franchise beat Kolkata Knight Riders to lift the title.
On the other hand, Gujarat Titans (GT) will be playing in their second straight final. In 2022, the Hardik Pandya-led side overcame Rajasthan Royals in the title clash to win the title in their first season.
CSK vs GT | Preview | Team Analysis & Squad Details
Let’s closely examine CSK vs GT – team analysis, squad, head-to-head record, and prediction ahead of the final.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Against GT in Qualifier 1, the excellent start provided by Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad helped CSK to post a challenging total. If the duo puts together another big stand for the opening wicket, CSK could post a big total or make any daunting target chaseable. Ajinkya Rahane and Shivam Dube can accelerate in the middle overs, while Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, and MS Dhoni can add valuable runs in the death overs.
The bowlers put in an excellent shift against GT in Chennai. Expectations will be high on Deepak Chahar to grab wickets in the powerplay. Spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Maheesh Theekshana can stifle GT’s batters in the middle overs. Young Matheesha Pathirana is CSK’s weapon in the death overs. The Sri Lankan is improving after each game and will likely play a vital role on Sunday.
CSK Squad
- MS Dhoni (captain)
- Devon Conway
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Shivam Dube
- Ajinkya Rahane
- Moeen Ali
- Ambati Rayudu
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Deepak Chahar
- Tushar Deshpande
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Mitchell Santner
- Dwaine Pretorius
- Shaik Rasheed
- Rajvardhan Hangargekar
- Sisanda Magala
- Subhranshu Senapati
- Bhagath Varma
- Prashant Solanki
- Ajay Mandal
- Akash Singh
- Simarjeet Singh
- Nishant Sindhu
Gujarat Titans (GT)
Led by Shubman Gill, the GT batting unit poses a major threat to CSK bowlers. The opening batter hammered Mumbai Indians bowlers, bringing up a third hundred in four games. Wriddhiman Saha and Sai Sudharsan provided the batter excellent support in the powerplay and middle overs. With Hardik Pandya, David Miller, and Rahul Tewatia in the batting unit, GT could make hay in a batting-friendly Narendra Modi Stadium.
With 79 wickets between them, Mohammed Shami, Rashid Khan, and Mohit Sharma lead the Purple Cap race. Shami, who has 28 wickets, has been outstanding with the new ball, picking up crucial wickets early in the match. No spinner has been more prolific than the Afghan spin king this season. If he picks up three more wickets, Rashid Khan will be the first spinner to reach the 30-wicket mark in an IPL edition.
Hardik will be delighted that 34-year-old Mohit Sharma turned back the clock. The pacer, who claimed 24 wickets this term, has tormented batters in the death overs and will be eyeing to do the same against his former franchise on Sunday,
GT Squad
- Hardik Pandya (captain)
- Wriddhiman Saha
- Shubman Gill
- Sai Sudharsan
- David Miller
- Rahul Tewatia
- Abhinav Manohar
- Rashid Khan
- Noor Ahmad
- Mohit Sharma
- Mohammad Shami
- Vijay Shankar
- Yash Dayal
- Alzarri Joseph
- Joshua Little
- Dasun Shanaka
- Matthew Wade
- Jayant Yadav
- Odean Smith
- R Sai Kishore
- Urvil Patel
- KS Bharat
- Shivam Mavi
- Pradeep Sangwan
- Darshan Nalkande
Head-to-Head – CSK vs GT
GT has an excellent head-to-head record against CSK despite defeat in the last fixture between the two teams. Hardik Pandya’s men have won thrice, while the Chennai-based franchise grabbed just one win.
IPL 2023 Stats – CSK & GT
- Highest Run-scorer: Devon Conway – 625 runs (CSK); Shubman Gill – 851 runs (GT)
- Leading Wicket-taker: Tushar Deshpande – 21 wickets (CSK); Mohammed Shami – 28 wickets (GT)
- Most Sixes: Shivam Dube – 33 Sixes (CSK); Shubman Gill – 33 sixes (GT)
Winner Prediction – CSK vs GT
GT and CSK are two franchises that have played outstanding cricket in the 16th edition. The reigning champions have been ruthless in the league stage and brought their A game in Qualifier 2. Meanwhile, CSK, who lost to GT in its IPL 2023 opener, became a formidable unit as the season progressed. GT will rely on its home advantage and could be crowned champions for a second successive season.
Final Thoughts on CSK vs GT
The last three IPL finals failed to meet expectations, as MI, CSK, and GT registered comfortable wins in 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively. With both teams having equal strengths, a thrilling final is on the cards on Sunday.
