Match 29 of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 will be between table-topper Gujarat Titans (GT) and defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK), currently languishing at No. 9 at the table with a solitary win in five matches. The second game of Sunday's double-header, this match will be played at the at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Sunday night.
This game will be a battle between two star Indian all-rounders – Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja – who are leading for the first time in IPL. When it comes to the ongoing season, Pandya, with his runs and wickets, is far ahead of Jadeja. Perhaps it is time for Jadeja to take a leaf out of Pandya's books and promote himself up the batting order.
For Chennai, Ruturaj Gaikwad has been unable to bat past the Powerplay this season. At No. 3, Moeen Ali is yet to replicate his performance from last season. At this point, they are largely dependent on Robin Uthappa and Shivam Dube, who have scored the bulk of the runs. However, they have found a strike bowler in Maheesh Theekshana, who may be a key factor in this game.
Gujarat, on the other hand, have had a near-perfect start so far, with four wins in five matches. Mohammed Shami, Rashid Khan, and Lockie Ferguson have bowled brilliantly, Shubman Gill has played a couple of brilliant innings, while Pandya and young Abhinav Manohar have got the runs as well. At the same time, the poor form of Matthew Wade and Vijay Shankar remain a concern.
Likely XIs
Gujarat Titans: Matthew Wade (wk), Shubman Gill, Vijay Shankar, Hardik Pandya (c), David Miller, Abhinav Manohar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Lockie Ferguson, Mohammed Shami, Yash Dayal
Chennai Super Kings: Robin Uthappa, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja (c), MS Dhoni (wk), Dwayne Bravo, Chris Jordan, Maheesh Theekshana, Mukesh Choudhary
Fantasy tips
- On the bouncy Pune surface, back hit-the-deck bowlers like Ferguson and Jordan to be more effective than others.
- Will his all-round skills and current batting form, Pandya has to be your ideal choice for the role of captain.
- Ball will come on to bat here. Batters like Uthappa and Moeen should enjoy that.
Where to watch
Live streaming of Match 25 of IPL 2022 between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will start at 7.30 PM IST on April 17. You can watch the match on the Star Sports Network and Hotstar.