GT vs CSKThe MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have depended more on his leadership than his hitting over the last few IPL seasons. There is a possibility that MS Dhoni could become CSK’s first impact substitute thanks to the new “impact player” rule that will be in effect for this IPL season.
GT vs CSK
The 41-year-old may be worried about his health, but he will still be the dominant force leading CSK, whether from the dugout, behind the wickets, or, as his new job permits, as an Impact injection if he sees fit.
According to Indian Express, MS Dhoni could be a key figure for CSK if he is even 80% healthy. At No. 3, Ben Stokes may replace his countryman Moeen Ali, and for the Gujarat Titans, Kane Williamson is most likely to start alongside Shubman Gill.
Dhoni will be CSK’s impact player
Ravindra Jadeja had to turn over the leadership of the Chennai Super Kings to MS Dhoni last year as a result of the team’s run of defeats. Before the 2018 IPL season began, Dhoni resigned as the CSK skipper in order to focus on his future.
The plan was for the outgoing captain to mentor the new skipper so he could develop into the position. Jadeja has shown reverence for Dhoni and hasn’t shied away from relying significantly on the former captain for tactical choices in games. After eight games, MS Dhoni assumed the leadership after the choice had a disastrous reaction.
Dhoni’s managerial abilities, rather than his batsmanship, have helped CSK win games over the past few seasons.
Dhoni, who is 41, is well aware of the IPL winning formula. With 12 participants per team participating in the pitched fight, and the “Impact Player” rule being used for the first time, this Friday’s 16th iteration will be very different from previous ones.
Dhoni, who is renowned for managing his resources and is questionable for the opening game due to a knee injury, may very well become the “Impact Player” during pursuits if necessary. We may see more of MS Dhoni, the skipper and wicketkeeper, in the upcoming contests.
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— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 30, 2023
Stokes will be to bat at 3
The legendary England all-rounder Ben Stokes, like the CSK captain, has a knee ailment and may not be able to spin for the entire season or even at all. All signs lead to Dhoni passing the torch this season, including the record-breaking acquisition of Ben Stokes for Rs 16.25 crore.
Where Stokes will bowl is the key issue at hand. The all-rounder once started at the front for Rajasthan Royals. Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad, however, are a well-known starting duo for CSK. In that situation, the southpaw might replace Moeen Ali, who has been crucial for CSK at No. 3 so far.
With Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shivam Dube in it, CSK’s middle order will be left hefty. It will be fascinating to see how Rashid Khan’s leg spin performs against the flamboyant, power-packed southpaw all-rounders.
Williamson will probably start with Gill.
Who will be his starting companion now that Shubman Gill is in the best shape of his life? In the Titans’ debut season, Wriddhiman Saha performed ok, hitting 317 runs and carrying the load on the powerplay. Due to his national service, David Miller will miss the first game, which will lower some middle-order power. Kane Williamson is not a like-to-like replacement for the southpaw.
In that situation, Matthew Wade, who has started the Titans’ first five games, might be assigned the position of closer because of how well he has performed for his country. Sadly, Saha will be forced to sit out if Williamson starts and Wade bats in the centre of the lineup.