GT vs CSK preview: Gujarat's top-two push meets MS Dhoni's possible IPL swansong
Also Read: MS Dhoni's IPL future: CSK in dark over legend's call, says assistant coachHowever, with things going awry for both the Super Kings and their Thala, it remains uncertain whether Sunday's game in Ahmedabad will be Dhoni's swansong.' Incidentally, it is also the venue where CSK clinched their fifth IPL title two years ago - a match many felt should have been Dhoni's farewell to the IPL.Ever since CSK were knocked out of the playoff race this season, the question has relentlessly followed Dhoni and those representing the Super Kings at press conferences.Dhoni himself has addressed it on a couple of occasions. When asked by Danny Morrison at the toss, Dhoni tactfully dodged the question. On another occasion, he was more candid, stating he was in no rush to decide and would wait to see how his body held up over the next ten months before making any calls about his IPL future.advertisementDhoni's brand value remains untarnished. However, his on-field ability is clearly declining. With the bat, Dhoni has been more of a burden this year - scoring 196 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 135, a significant drop from his staggering strike rate of 220 in 2024. Despite undergoing surgery, his troublesome knee has been a persistent concern throughout the season.Dhoni has rarely overstayed his welcome. Yet, it now seems his presence in the playing XI might be hindering the Super Kings. On numerous occasions this season,' Dhoni has struggled to produce the typical late-game bursts that once defined him.Still, the CSK camp firmly believes Dhoni will know best when to call time on his IPL career. It would be a miracle if he returns for IPL 2026 and delivers better performances, especially with the bat.As CSK prepare to close their forgettable season against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Sunday, one thing seems almost certain: we may well be witnessing the last of 'Captain' Dhoni.Emotions aside, the contest at the Narendra Modi Stadium holds significant importance for Gujarat Titans, who desperately need a strong comeback after a heavy defeat to Lucknow Super Giants in their previous match.advertisementGujarat Titans currently sit atop the table with 18 points, and a victory will secure a top-two finish. However, a loss to CSK on Sunday could see them slip from those coveted positions - a bitter blow for one of the season's most consistent sides.GT vs CSK: HEAD-TO-HEADCSK have lost four games in seven meetings to Gujarat Titans. Incidentally, this is the first meeting between the two sides in IPL 2025. CSK, however, have won three of their last four matches against the former champions.GT vs CSK: TEAM NEWSThere are no reported injury issues in either of the camps. Gujarat Titans will be hoping to get the best out of Jos Buttler and Kagiso Rabada as their two overseas stars will not be available for the playoffs.Buttler, who has been a pillar at No. 3 for the Titans, will be hoping to make one big impact and ensure Gujarat seal a place in the top two, which offers them an extra shot at reaching the final.Gujarat might think about resting Rashid Khan, who has been off colour in this season. In their previous game against LSG, Rashid was taken to the cleaners by Mitchell Marsh. A breather before the playoffs might be a welcome change for the Afghanistan superstar.advertisementGT vs CSK: Predicted Playing XIsGT: Shubman Gill (ca;ptain), Sai Sudharshan, Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, R Sai Kishore, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed SirajImpact Player: Prasidh KrishnaCSK: Ayush Mhatre, Devon Conway, Urvil Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni (captain and wicketkeeper), Anshul Kamboj, Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed.Impact Player: Matheesha PathiranaGT vs CSK: Top fantasy PicksGujarat: Shubman Gil, Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, Arshad Khan, Sherfane Rutherford.Chennai: Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel, Dewald Brevis, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj.Stay updated on IPL 2025 with India Today! Get match schedules, team squads, live score, and the latest IPL points table for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Plus, keep track of the top contenders for the IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap. Don't miss a moment!Tune In
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