Former Sunrisers Hyderabad head coach Tom Moody believes that early wickets would be the key for the Gujarat Titans against Chennai Super Kings on the home ground, as the CSK openers are in scintillating form in this edition of the Indian Premier League, and reckons that Mohammed Shami new ball spell will be vital for the defending champions.
In the previous must-win game against Delhi Capitals, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway started the innings brilliantly as they attacked the Delhi Capitals bowler from the start of the innings and they added 141 runs for the opening wicket to put their team right on top in Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Speaking on Espncricinfo ahead of the Qualifier, Former Australian All-rounder Tom Moody feels that it would be a huge task for the Gujarat Titans to break the opening stand, as they have been consistent throughout the league stage adapting to the different conditions and believes that Mohammed Shami’s new ball spell could prove to be crucial in the contest of the match.
“It is a very tough one to break. Both of them have been in phenomenal form, especially Conway. He has been terrific in the way he has played and adapted to different conditions. For Gujarat, it is Mohammed Shami. With the new ball, he has had a fine season and his striking early is critical. That is a very important match-up, to begin with,” Tom Moody told ESPNcricinfo.
Devon Conway (585) with six fifties to his name and Ruturaj Gaikwad (504)also has three fifties and has been a standout performer for their side in this edition of IPL 2023 playing according to the conditions and the match situations following the legacy of the CSK openers in the cash-rich providing them with important start with the bat in the powerplay.
This Is A Foundation Of CSK’s Success, The Pair Of Gaikwad And Conway – Sanjay Manjrekar On CSK Success
Cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar feels that Chennai Super King’s success this season has predominantly depended on their openers and reckons that Gujarat Titans should try to bring in their primary bowler Rashid Khan right at the start to pick wickets and believes that if they can pick up wickets in the powerplay they can test the middle order of the four-time champions.
“This is a foundation of CSK’s success, the pair of Gaikwad and Conway. So, maybe, put a lot of your eggs in the basket. GT also has Rashid Khan to begin with as Ruturaj Gaikwad, until the last innings, has had issues with spin. So, get your two best bowlers to do that masterstroke right at the start. And if you get a couple of early wickets, then CSK is on a slightly uncharted course,” Sanjay Manjrekar said.
Gujarat Titans were the first team to qualify for the playoffs as they sealed their place in Qualifier 1 followed by the Chennai Super Kings who booked their spot in playoffs on the Penultimate day of the league stage after their thumping over Delhi Capitals