Gujarat Titans (GT) face a crucial day-match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Match 67 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the Narendra Modi Stadium here on Sunday.
After a recent setback, Gujarat are under pressure to win this game to secure a top-two finish in the league stage, a position that provides an extra opportunity in the playoffs.Gujarat have already booked their place in the playoffs, sitting comfortably with 17 points from 13 matches. However, the recent loss to Lucknow Super Giants dented their bid to finish in the top two. Thanks to the concurrent defeat of Royal Challengers Bangalore, GT still holds the advantage — a win over Chennai will cement their spot among the top two.
GT's success this season has largely been powered by the consistent form of their top-order batsmen. Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill have both amassed over 600 runs, making them the backbone of Gujarat's batting lineup. Both players have regularly contributed significant innings and are seen as smart bets to score 30-plus runs in this match. Jos Buttler's form too has been instrumental, providing stability at the top.
The middle and lower order is bolstered by Sherfane Rutherford, who has scored 267 runs at an impressive strike rate of 161, and Shahrukh Khan, who showed his explosive potential with a quickfire 59 off 27 balls in the previous game. These players add depth and firepower, ensuring that Gujarat have multiple options to accelerate scoring.
On the bowling front, Gujarat have maintained tight control with a well-balanced attack. Fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna have claimed a combined total of 36 wickets, while left-arm spinner Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore has taken 16 wickets with an economy rate below nine runs per over. Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada, despite their pedigree, have experienced mixed success this season.
The Narendra Modi Stadium has witnessed some high-scoring matches in IPL 2025, with the average first innings score hovering around 178 runs. The highest chase at this venue remains Kolkata Knight Riders’ 207-7 against Gujarat in 2023.
The pitch offers good bounce and pace for fast bowlers early on, while also assisting spinners as the game progresses. Batsmen can expect a solid surface conducive to stroke play, but scoring tends to slow in the latter half of innings.
Chennai enter the match with their worst IPL campaign to date. With just 6 points from 13 outings and a poor net run rate, CSK is virtually assured of finishing at the bottom of the table. Despite the struggles, young talents such as Dewald Brevis and Ayush Mhatre have injected some optimism. Brevis has been particularly impressive, scoring 168 runs in just five matches at a strike rate exceeding 160, providing much-needed momentum in the middle order.
Senior player Shivam Dube has been the most consistent batsman for CSK, accumulating 340 runs with a healthy strike rate just under 130. However, the team’s inability to close out games has been a significant factor behind their dismal performance.
CSK’s bowling has lacked penetration, with only Noor Ahmad and Khaleel Ahmed showing reasonable effectiveness. Noor Ahmad’s 21 wickets at an economy of 8.41 and Khaleel’s 14 wickets are commendable in an otherwise underperforming attack. Spin veterans Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have struggled to contain runs or take crucial wickets, while fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana has leaked runs despite taking wickets.
The toss is expected to be pivotal, with teams opting to bat first enjoying an advantage in five out of six IPL games at this venue in 2025. Given the pitch and weather conditions — hot and dry with no rain forecast — captains are likely to choose to bat first and set a challenging target.
With Gujarat Titans firmly placed as favourites, the match offers a decisive opportunity for them to consolidate their status as title contenders. Chennai, on the other hand, look to end their campaign on a positive note and build experience for future seasons.(UNI)
