GT VS CSK: 3 Reasons Why Gujarat Lost the Qualifier 1

In an exhilarating showdown, the mighty Chennai Super Kings (CSK) triumphed over the formidable Gujarat Titans (GT) by a thrilling margin of 15 runs in the gripping Qualifier 1. This hard-fought victory propels CSK into the illustrious IPL 2023 final, marking their unprecedented 10th appearance in this prestigious stage. Accompanied by the indomitable leadership of the legendary MS Dhoni, CSK’s remarkable achievement also sees Dhoni’s personal count rise to an extraordinary 11 final appearances, etching his name into the annals of the league’s history.

The match itself was a captivating rollercoaster, captivating spectators with its unpredictable twists and turns. Despite setting a competitive total of 172 for 7, CSK faced a daunting challenge from the high-flying GT. However, the resilient CSK bowlers, armed with their playoff expertise, unveiled a strategic masterclass that outshone the table-topping GT, ultimately securing their deserving victory. The encounter left fans at the edge of their seats, a true testament to the excitement and drama that epitomizes the IPL.

The defending champions, hailed as favorites, fell short of their anticipated victory. Now, we delve into the intricate factors that played a role in their defeat against CSK, seeking to unravel the mysteries behind their unexpected outcome.

GT VS CSK: Major Reasons behind Gujarat’s Downfall in the Qualifer 1 against Chennai:

3) Vijay Shankar’s Demotion

Vijay Shankar’s remarkable batting prowess has been on full display throughout the season, making his demotion to the number 6 position a surprising decision. As a Tamil Nadu cricketer with extensive experience playing in Chennai, he would have been the perfect fit at number 3. Just a few days ago, he showcased his brilliance by crafting a crucial innings of 53 runs from only 34 deliveries while batting at number 3 against RCB. However, in the match against CSK, Shankar was pushed down the order to number 6 when his team was struggling at 88/4. Unfortunately, he had barely faced a single delivery before losing his well-set partner, Shubman Gill. With Shankar being the lone recognized specialist batsman in the middle order, the odds were undeniably stacked against him.

2) Not Playing Chennai’s Local Lads

In their pursuit of triumph, Gujarat Titans made a significant alteration to their lineup, ushering in the promising talent of Darshan Nalkande in place of Yash Dayal for the game. Surprisingly, despite the venue being Chennai, the team decided against fielding local players Sai Sudharshan and R Sai Kishore. Nalkande, making his IPL 2023 playoff debut, experienced a mixture of fortunes. While unfortunate to overstep on the dismissal of Gaikwad in his opening over, the 24-year-old paceman ultimately proved to be the most expensive bowler, conceding 44 runs for just one wicket.

In contrast, Sai Sudharsan, hailing from Chennai and boasting a commendable IPL track record, could have been a superior choice over Dasun Shanaka. Furthermore, with the presence of wrist spinners Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmed, Gujarat Titans anticipated their dominance, only to witness the finger spinners thriving on the surface. This highlights the missed opportunity to incorporate the left-arm spin of Sai Kishore, which could have greatly benefited the defending champions.

1) MS Dhoni’s Tactical Brilliance 

GT fell victim to the strategic brilliance of the maestro MS Dhoni, who expertly applied pressure in the crucial middle overs with the deadly spin combination of Ravindra Jadeja and Maheesh Theekshana. This formidable pair conceded a mere 46 runs in eight overs while claiming four crucial wickets. In a game-defining moment during the sixth over, Dhoni displayed his astuteness by shifting Jadeja’s fielding position from backward square to backward point, specifically targeting GT captain Hardik Pandya during Theekshana’s spell. This tactical adjustment proved to be a stroke of genius as Hardik fell victim to Theekshana’s delivery, sending the ball straight into Jadeja’s waiting hands.

Furthermore, Dhoni showcased his cleverness by engaging in a brief conversation with the umpires, allowing Matheesha Pathirana to complete his remaining overs in the match. It all began when Dhoni introduced Pathirana to bowl the 16th over. Despite being behind in the game with 71 runs still required and four wickets in hand, Pathirana had three overs left. However, the umpires initially hesitated to allow Pathirana due to his extended time off the field. Recognizing the significance of each of Pathirana’s remaining overs, Dhoni approached the umpires, advocating for a reconsideration. Eventually, the umpires permitted Pathirana to bowl, potentially influenced by Dhoni’s willingness to address the delay in the over rate.