CHENNAI: Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans find themselves in a similar position with six points each from seven matches as the IPL-19 season has reached the pivotal halfway mark. Hovering around the middle of the table, both teams are in search of consistency. It hasn’t been a smooth ride as both teams stumbled early, showed signs of recovery and now head into Sunday’s afternoon clash knowing that a win could push them into the top half of the standings.
The only separating factor now is CSK’s positive net run rate, boosted significantly by their emphatic 103-run victory. It was also a morale-lifting triumph over Mumbai at the Wankhede and CSK seem to have regained some momentum at just the right time.
The spotlight firmly rests on CSK’s latest poster boy Sanju Samson. With 293 runs in seven innings, including two centuries, he has been the backbone of their batting lineup. He averages 58.6 at a blistering strike rate of 178.65. In contrast, the other opener Ruturaj’s form has been a concern. With just 104 runs in seven innings at an average of 14.85, CSK will be hoping their captain finds rhythm soon.
There are other concerns too. Dewald Brevis is yet to produce a defining innings, while Shivam Dube has struggled to make an impact. With Ayush Mhatre ruled out, Sarfaraz Khan has been pushed up the order. And then there’s the biggest question of all: MS Dhoni. While he has resumed net sessions and wicketkeeping drills, his return date remains uncertain.
CSK’s bowling attack, however, has started to click. Anshul Kamboj (14 wickets in seven innings) and Jamie Overton (9 wickets in six) have led the pace unit impressively. But it was the spinners who stole the show in the last game. Left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein delivered a masterclass — four wickets, a wicket-maiden, 14 dot balls, and an economy of 4.25, even bowling in the powerplay. Alongside him, Noor Ahmad provided perfect support with two wickets.
For Gujarat, Sai Sudharsan returned to form with a superb century against RCB after a lean patch. However, his effort wasn’t enough to secure a win on Friday night. Their bowling, though, remains a major strength. Prasidh Krishna (12 wickets) and Kagiso Rabada (10 wickets) have been among the standout performers, with Mohammed Siraj and Jason Holder adding further firepower.
Yet, on a Chennai surface, all eyes will turn to Rashid Khan. The Afghan wrist-spinner could well be the game-changer if conditions play to his strengths.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: deccanchronicle.com
