Indian T20 League 2022: Match 29 – Gujarat vs Chennai – Preview, Playing XIs, Pitch Report, Updates

The 29^th match of the Indian T20 League 2022 sees Chennai take on Gujarat at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Playing their first ever season, Gujarat are flying high in the ongoing edition of the tournament. They are currently sitting at the top of the points table, having managed to secure 4 wins in 5 matches.

Chennai, on the other hand, registered their first win this season in their last game after suffering four consecutive defeats. They are at second from the bottom of the points table and would be eager to register their second win on Sunday.

Team News:

Chennai:

After four consecutive defeats, Chennai finally registered their first win of the season in their last game against Bangalore. Shivam Dube and Robin Uthappa wreaked havoc with the bat and Chennai, as a result, posted a mammoth total of 216 runs on the board.

In pursuit of that, Bangalore fell 23 runs short of the target. Heading into the next game, Chennai would be looking to replicate a similar performance on Sunday.

Players to watch out for:

1. Shivam Dube

Shivam Dube is the one to watch out for this season. The CSK batter has been in sensational form, of late.  Dube has been striking the ball really well. He exhibited his power-hitting display in the last game against Bangalore. The southpaw scored 95 runs in just 46 balls at a strike rate of 206.52.

2. Robin Uthappa

Robin Uthappa too is in fine form this season. In 5 matches, he has managed to hit two half-centuries. Uthappa notched his second fifty in the last game. He scored 88 runs in 50 matches, a knock which was laced with 4 fours and 9 sixes.

3. Maheesh Theeshana

Sri Lanka’s mystery spinner showed his class in the last game against Bangalore. He kept picking vital wickets and didn’t allow the opposition to build big partnerships. The Sri Lankan spinner finished with sensational figures of 4 for 33 in 4 overs. He will be the one to watch out for on Sunday.

Probable Playing XI:

Robin Uthappa, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja (c), MS Dhoni (wk), Dwayne Bravo, Dwaine Pretorius, Maheesh Theekshana, Mukesh Choudhary

Gujarat:

Gujarat are doing nothing wrong in the tournament thus far. With 4 wins in 5 matches, they are sitting at number one position on the points table. Gujarat are coming into the game against Chennai on the back of a 37-run win over Rajasthan.

Batting first, Gujarat posted 192 runs in the first innings, thanks to a sensational knock from Hardik Pandya. Later, they restricted Rajasthan to 155 runs. Gujarat Titans would be keen to win their next game and continue the winning momentum.

Players to watch out for:

1. Hardik Pandya

Keeping in mind his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, Hardik Pandya will have a big role to play for Gujarat on Sunday. He has been sensational form with the bat and also bowling quite well as well. Pandya is definitely one of the players to watch out for on Sunday.

2. Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill hasn’t scored runs in his last two games. However, it doesn’t take away the fact that he has played two big knocks this season. In 5 matches, Gill has two fifties to his name. He will have the onus to provide a solid start at the top of the order.

3. Lockie Ferguson

Playing for a new franchise, Ferguson has done a brilliant job with the ball so far. He has been the wrecker in chief. In 5 matches, the New Zealand fast bowler has 8 wickets at an average of 19. Ferguson returned with exceptional figures of 3 for 23 in the last game.

Probable Playing XI:

Matthew Wade (wk), Shubman Gil, Vijay Shankar, Hardik Pandya (c), David Miller, Abhinav Manohar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Lockie Ferguson, Mohammed Shami, Yash Dayal

Match Details:

Date: 17th April 2022

Venue: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune

Time: 7:30 PM

Streaming Details: Star Sports Network for TV, Disney+ Hotstar for online streaming

Pitch Report:

The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune will host the 29^th match of the Indian T20 League 2022 between Chennai and Gujarat on Sunday. Batsmen should take some time at the crease before changing gears. Given the slowness of the surface, you don’t expect to be a high-scoring contest. Spinners are likely to have good assistance from the surface