Home Blog Page 169

Sheffield Shield Final 2023 dates & details: All you need to know

Charbel Coorey
-
0
Sheffield Shield Final 2023 dates & details: All you need to know

Cricket News: Sheffield Shield Final 2023 dates & details: All you need to know | Sheffield Shield Final 2023 dates: Western Australia vs Victoria

For the second straight season, Western Australia will take on Victoria at the WACA in the quest to be crowned Sheffield Shield champions. Western Australia are aiming to achieve the “treble” of trophies, having already won the 50-over Marsh Cup competition and 2022/23 Big Bash League with the Perth Scorchers.

Incredibly, they also achieved this feat last season, with the Sheffield Shield Final ending in a draw.

Sheffield Shield Final 2023: The key details

  • Teams: Western Australia vs Victoria.
  • Location: WACA ground, Perth.
  • Dates: March 23-27, 2023.
  • Time: 10:00am (local), 1:00pm (EDT), 7:30am (IST).

You can watch the match live on cricket.com.au and the CA live app. Also, the final will be broadcast live on Fox Cricket and Kayo.

Top performers from each team this season

Western Australia

Most runs

BatsmanRunsAverage
Cameron Bancroft88058.66
Hilton Cartwright62941.93
Sam Whiteman58134.17

Most wickets

BowlerWicketsAverage
Matt Kelly2915.89
Lance Morris2718.40
Corey Rocchiccioli2432.45

Victoria

Most runs

BatsmanRunsAverage
Matt Short58444.92
Marcus Harris58141.50
Peter Handscomb57181.57

Most wickets

BowlerWicketsAverage
Will Sutherland3620.61
Matt Perry2922.13
Fergus O’Neill2622.53

Western Australia vs Victoria: What the form guide says & possible XIs

Western Australia won five straight matches before they were thumped by seven wickets at the hands of Victoria at the WACA. Scott Boland won man of the match thanks to his brilliant 4/29 and 4/69, leading Victoria to their sixth win in their past seven matches.

Interestingly, these two teams will play each other again at the same ground, with some new additions (below).

Squads

Western Australia: TBC

Victoria: Peter Handscomb (c), Scott Boland, Ashley Chandrasinghe, Travis Dean, Sam Harper, Marcus Harris, Jon Holland, Campbell Kellaway, Cameron McClure, Todd Murphy, Fergus O’Neill, Mitchell Perry, Matt Short, Will Sutherland

Possible XIs

Jhye Richardson is out after hamstring surgery. Lance Morris is set to play after Test duty. Matt Kelly and Joel Paris are also set to return.

Western Australia: 1. Cameron Bancroft, 2. Sam Whiteman (c), 3. Teague Wyllie, 4. Hilton Cartwright, 5. Aaron Hardie, 6. Ashton Turner, 7. Josh Philippe (wk), 8. Joel Paris, 9. Lance Morris, 10. Corey Rocchiccioli, 11. Matthew Kelly

Todd Murphy and Peter Handscomb are back from Test duty. Jon Holland is likely to miss out, which will be tough on the left-arm spinner given he bowled beautifully at the WACA last week.

Victoria: 1. Marcus Harris, 2. Ashley Chandrasinghe, 3. Peter Handscomb (c), 4. Campbell Kellaway, 5. Matt Short, 6. Will Sutherland, 7. Sam Harper (wk), 8. Fergus O’Neill, 9. Mitchell Perry, 10. Todd Murphy, 11. Scott Boland

What if the 2023 Sheffield Shield Final ends in a draw?

If the final ends in a draw, the team who secures the most bonus points after the first innings will be declared champions.

How the bonus points system works:

  • Bonus points are awarded only in the first 100 overs of each team’s first innings.
  • Batting side earns 0.01 of a bonus point for every run over 200 in that first 100 overs.
  • Bowling side earns 0.1 of a bonus point for every wicket they take in that first 100 overs.

RCB-W vs MI-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: WPL 2023 Match 19

Charbel Coorey
-
0
RCB-W vs MI-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: WPL 2023 Match 19

RCB-W vs MI-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: WPL 2023 Match 19 | MI-W vs RCB-W Dream11 Prediction Today | DY Patil Pitch Report

The top three teams may have been confirmed, but there is still plenty to play for on the final day of the WPL 2023 league stage. Mumbai Indians, who were so comfortable after winning their first five matches, all of a sudden find themselves in second spot after a thumping defeat to Delhi Capitals yesterday.

The big challenges have now appeared at the doorstep of the playoffs for MI. Their batting has not got going in their past two matches, and their strong attack was made to look amateur at times by Lanning, Shafali and Capsey. They need to get back on track not only to put pressure on the Capitals later today, but to also find some important momentum before this weekend’s big matches.

Royal Challengers Bangalore will be seeking a strong finish to their campaign. Their poor start to the season, as well as Grace Harris’ heroics for UP Warriorz yesterday, has unfortunately meant they are out of the running. But, an RCB team with nothing to lose is a dangerous one, especially with Sophie Devine in such incredible form.

Match Details

  • Location: DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai.
  • Time: 3:30pm (IST).
  • For more cricket fixtures around the world, visit Fixture Calendar.

WPL 2023 Match 19: RCB-W vs MI-W Possible Playing XIs

Mumbai Indians: 1. Yastika Bhatia (wk), 2. Hayley Matthews, 3. Nat Sciver-Brunt, 4. Harmanpreet Kaur (c), 5. Amelia Kerr, 6. Pooja Vastrakar, 7. Issy Wong, 8. Amanjot Kaur, 9. Humaira Kazi, 10. Jintimani Kalita, 11. Saika Ishaque

Royal Challengers Bangalore: 1. Sophie Devine, 2. Smriti Mandhana (c), 3. Ellyse Perry, 4. Heather Knight, 5. Kanika Ahuja, 6. Richa Ghosh (wk), 7. Shreyanka Patil, 8. Disha Kasat, 9. Sobhana Asha, 10. Megan Schutt, 11. Preeti Bose

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Mumbai Indians:

  • Hayley Matthews destroyed RCB earlier this season. She took 3/28 and scored 77* (38). MI will be hoping for something similar from the star all-rounder today.
  • Nat Sciver-Brunt missed out yesterday against Capitals. She too had a good game against RCB earlier in WPL 2023, with 55* (29) and 1/34.
  • Cometh the hour, cometh Harmanpreet Kaur. The MI captain is the leading run-scorer with 227 at an average of 57.00 and strike rate of 153.02.
  • Amelia Kerr bowled just the one over in a bad loss for MI yesterday. However, with pitches taking good turn, Kerr’s slow and effective legspinners can prove vital.
  • Kerr is one of seven bowlers to take at least ten wickets in WPL 2023.
  • Saika Ishaque, who is the second-highest wicket-taker this season (12), dismissed Sophie Devine in their previous meeting. If she can dismiss her early again, it will hold MI in good stead.

Royal Challengers Bangalore:

  • Sophie Devine was out of this world on Saturday. The New Zealand legend smashed 99 at a strike rate of 275, taking her runs tally to 236 runs in her past five matches.
  • Ellyse Perry has been RCB’s most consistent in WPL 2023. In her 224-run tally this season, she has made a double-figure score in all seven matches, including four over 30.
  • Heather Knight is a dangerous player that MI needs to contain. The England captain is striking at 148.19 in WPL 2023.
  • Shreyanka Patil is RCB’s leading wicket-taker this season with five scalps at a strike rate of 19. The economy rate of ten is cause for improvement.

Other Stats and Facts

  • MI (159/1) beat RCB (155) with 34 balls to spare earlier in WPL 2023. But, the pressure is different now.
  • Smriti Mandhana’s average of 17.85 has hurt RCB this season. Can she build on her 37 from the last game?
  • Sophie Devine scored 74 off 22 against spinners in her magnificent 99 last game.
  • MI have taken the most wickets in the powerplay (16). RCB have taken the least (8).
  • Pooja Vastrakar is a potential X-Factor player for MI. She top-scored for them in the last game with 26 off 19 balls.

DY Patil Sports Academy Pitch Report and Weather

Chasing teams are reigning supreme in recent matches at DY Patil. The average first innings score in the last six games is 121.67, with the team batting second winning each time. So, expect the captain who wins the toss to bowl first.

A mostly clear day is forecast with a top of about 29 degrees.

WPL 2023 Match 19: RCB-W vs MI-W Dream11 Prediction Today 21 March 2023

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article as well as your own instincts to create your teams.

Option 1:

RCB-W vs MI-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: WPL 2023 Match 19 | MI-W vs RCB-W Dream11 Prediction Today | DY Patil Pitch Report
WPL 2023 Match 19: RCB-W vs MI-W Dream11 Prediction Today 21 March 2023

Option 2:

RCB-W vs MI-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: WPL 2023 Match 19 | MI-W vs RCB-W Dream11 Prediction Today | DY Patil Pitch Report
WPL 2023 Match 19: RCB-W vs MI-W Dream11 Prediction Today 21 March 2023

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Yastika Bhatia
  • Batters: Sophie Devine
  • All-rounders: Hayley Matthews, Ellyse Perry
  • Bowlers: Saika Ishaque

WPL 2023 Match 19: RCB-W vs MI-W Match Prediction – Who will win?

The chasing team to win again? Perhaps. But, MI have the depth and quality to bounce back.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

MI-W vs DEL-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: WPL 2023 Match 18

Charbel Coorey
-
0
MI-W vs DEL-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: WPL 2023 Match 18

MI-W vs DEL-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: WPL 2023 Match 18 | MI-W vs DC-W Dream11 Prediction Today | DY Patil Pitch Report

Are we looking at a preview of the WPL 2023 Final? Possibly. However, there is more at stake than just a dress rehearsal. Top spot in the table is still up for grabs, with that team to avoid Friday’s Eliminator and move straight to Sunday’s Final.

Of course, there are still important games tomorrow for Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians. But, DC can move level on points with MI, taking the race to the final day when Meg Lanning’s team comes up against UP Warriorz while Harmanpreet Kaur’s take on RCB.

But, the key is focusing on the task at hand. MI lost their first match of the tournament last time out, unable to get away against UP Warriorz’s spinners. DC were unable to chase 148 against Gujarat, which has both teams keen to build momentum ahead of the playoffs.

Match Details

  • Location: DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai.
  • Time: 7:30pm (IST).
  • For more cricket fixtures around the world, visit Fixture Calendar.

WPL 2023 Match 18: MI-W vs DEL-W Possible Playing XIs

Mumbai Indians: 1. Hayley Matthews, 2. Yastika Bhatia (wk), 3. Nat Sciver-Brunt, 4. Harmanpreet Kaur (c), 5. Amelia Kerr, 6. Issy Wong, 7. Amanjot Kaur, 8. Humaira Kazi, 9. Dhara Gujjar, 10. Jintimani Kalita, 11. Saika Ishaque

Delhi Capitals: 1. Meg Lanning (c), 2. Shafali Verma, 3. Alice Capsey, 4. Jemimah Rodrigues, 5. Marizanne Kapp, 6. Jess Jonassen, 7. Taniya Bhatia (wk), 8. Arundhati Reddy/Jasia Akhter, 9. Radha Yadav, 10. Shikha Pandey, 11. Poonam Yadav

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Mumbai Indians:

  • Hayley Matthews is the only player to score at least 200 runs and take 10+ wickets so far in WPL 2023. She took 3/19 and scored 32 (31) against DC earlier in the tournament.
  • Nat Sciver-Brunt bowled beautifully against UP Warriorz, but was let down by dropped catches. In WPL 2023, the all-rounder has hit 187 runs at an average of 62.33, along with seven wickets.
  • Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur is Mumbai’s leading run-scorer with 205 at an average of 68.33 and strike rate of 166.66. She has played well both when batting first and second.
  • Amelia Kerr is becoming even more important as the pitches take greater turn. The legspinner is one of four players to take 10+ wickets in WPL 2023.
  • Saika Ishaque (12 wickets in WPL 2023) was player of the match in the previous meeting against Capitals. She took 3/13, including the dismissals of Meg Lanning, Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues.

Delhi Capitals:

  • Meg Lanning is the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer (239). The skipper is averaging 47.80 with a strike rate of 137.35.
  • Lanning was the only player to cross 25 against Mumbai ealier this year.
  • Shafali Verma is striking at 185.14 in WPL 2023. However, it’s been all or nothing for the DC opener, with scores of 84, 17, 2, 76*, 0 and 8 this sason.
  • Marizanne Kapp has struck two 30+ scores in a row. Three games ago, she took 5/15. The great all-rounder will be key.
  • Jess Jonassen is the X-Factor player. She is striking at 160.41 in WPL 2023, and has taken five wickets.
  • Shikha Pandey is DC’s leading wicket-taker with eight scalps. She is averaging 18.87 with an economy of just 6.86.

Other Stats and Facts

  • Mumbai Indians (109/2) beat Delhi Capitals (105) with 30 balls to spare earlier this season.
  • MI concede just 5.61 per over in the powerplay. DC also perform very well at 6.27. These are the best economy rates between overs 0-6 in WPL 2023.
  • The teams have also taken the most wickets in the powerplay. MI have picked up 16, while DC have 11.

DY Patil Sports Academy Pitch Report and Weather

Bowlers, especially spinners, are having a say in recent matches on this ground. The average first innings score in the last five matches is 124.4, with the chasing team winning all five of the matches.

Another clear and warm evening is forecast.

WPL 2023 Match 18: MI-W vs DEL-W Dream11 Prediction Today 20 March 2023

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article as well as your own instincts to create your teams.

Option 1:

MI-W vs DEL-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: WPL 2023 Match 18 | MI-W vs DC-W Dream11 Prediction Today | DY Patil Pitch Report
WPL 2023 Match 18: MI-W vs DEL-W Dream11 Prediction Today 20 March 2023

Option 2:

MI-W vs DEL-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: WPL 2023 Match 18 | MI-W vs DC-W Dream11 Prediction Today | DY Patil Pitch Report
WPL 2023 Match 18: MI-W vs DEL-W Dream11 Prediction Today 20 March 2023

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Yastika Bhatia
  • Batters: Meg Lanning, Harmanpreet Kaur
  • All-rounders: Hayley Matthews, Nat Sciver, Marizanne Kapp, Amelia Kerr
  • Bowlers: Saika Ishaque

WPL 2023 Match 18: MI-W vs DEL-W Match Prediction – Who will win?

Chasing team could prevail in this one in the battle of the excellent bowling attacks.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

Biggest defeats for India in ODIs (balls remaining)

Charbel Coorey
-
0
Biggest defeats for India in ODIs (balls remaining)

Cricket News: Biggest defeats for India in ODIs (balls remaining) | What is the biggest margin of defeat for India in ODIs by balls remaining?

After KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja led India to a stirring victory in the first ODI of their 2023 series against Australia, no one could have predicted what would happen next. Game two at Vizag lasted just 37 overs on what looked to be an excellent batting pitch, with India rolled for 117 before a superb onslaught by Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head.

Where does this defeat stand in terms of India’s ODI history? Here is a look.

Biggest losses for India in ODIs by balls remaining

234 vs Australia, 2023

This defeat is India’s heaviest in terms of balls remaining in their history. Marsh (66* off 36 balls) and Head (51* off 30 balls) took just 11 overs to knock off India’s paltry target, with the openers belting 22 boundaries between them.

Earlier, Mitchell Starc further emphasised his ODI greatness by ripping through the India batting lineup once again. The left-armer was shaping the ball around corners at stages, dismissing Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and KL Rahul in a devastating opening spell that India simply could not recover from.

212 vs New Zealand, 2019

The previous record was 212 balls to spare against New Zealand in Hamilton in 2019. India, who were leading the five-match series 3-0, were rolled for just 92 in the fourth match. Trent Boult (5/21) produced a clinic, before Henry Nicholls (30* off 42 balls) and Ross Taylor (37* off 25 balls) completed the demolition job.

209 vs Sri Lanka, 2010

The fifth-match of the 2010 Tri-Series in Sri Lanka was a memorable one for the hosts. Led by Thisara Perera’s 5/28, India, boasting a number of ODI greats, were bundled out for just 103 in 33.4 overs at Dambulla.

In response, Mahela Jayawardene and Tillakaratne Dilshan got things off to a flyer, with the home side sealing the chase with 209 balls and eight wickets to spare.

181 vs Sri Lanka, 2012

Thisara Perera was back at it again in 2012. The all-rounder took 3/19 supported by Angelo Mathews (3/14) and Lasith Malinga (2/36) to dismantle India for just 138 despite Gautam Gambhir’s 65.

Half-centuries to Upul Tharanga (59* off 60 balls) and Tillakaratne Dilshan (50 off 49 balls) ensured an easy chase for Sri Lanka with more than 30 overs to spare.

GUJ-W vs UP-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: WPL 2023 Match 17

Charbel Coorey
-
0
GUJ-W vs UP-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: WPL 2023 Match 17

GG-W vs UP-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: WPL 2023 Match 17 | GG-W vs UP-W Dream11 Prediction Today | Brabourne Pitch Report

Gujarat Giants’ season started in terrible fashion with a heavy defeat to Mumbai Indians and injury to star player Beth Mooney. It hasn’t got much better since, with the latest loss coming with 27 balls to spare against RCB despite scoring a very healthy 188/4 themselves.

As a result, the Giants are all-but-out of the running for the WPL 2023 playoffs due to their net run rate of -2.511. However, with pride on the line, how do the Giants muster up the performance to bounce back after such a remarkable onslaught by the legendary Sophie Devine?

For UP Warriorz, they can seal their passage into the top three with victory here. With pitches beginning to aid spin, the Warriorz’s excellent array of tweakers did their thing over the weekend as they became the first team to beat Mumbai Indians this season.

So, form says UP Warriorz will win. But, we know that is not how T20 cricket goes. A strong performance on the day is vital for Alyssa Healy’s team with a playoffs’ spot right there waiting for them.

Match Details

  • Location: Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai.
  • Time: 3:30pm (IST).
  • For more cricket fixtures around the world, visit Fixture Calendar.

WPL 2023 Match 17: GUJ-W vs UP-W Possible Playing XIs

Gujarat Giants: 1. Sophia Dunkley, 2. Laura Wolvaardt, 3. Harleen Deol, 4. Ashleigh Gardner, 5. D Hemalatha, 6. S Meghana, 7. Ashwani Kumari, 8. Sneh Rana (c), 9. Sushma Verma (wk), 10. Tanuja Kanwar, 11. Kim Garth

UP Warriorz: 1. Alyssa Healy (c & wk), 2. Devika Vaidya, 3. Kiran Navgire, 4. Tahlia McGrath, 5. Grace Harris, 6. Deepti Sharma, 7. Sophie Ecclestone, 8. Simran Shaikh, 9. Parshavi Chopra, 10. Anjali Sarvani, 11. Rajeshwari Gayakwad

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Gujarat Giants:

  • Harleen Deol is Gujarat’s leading run-scorer in WPL 2023. She has struck scores of 67, 20, 22, 31 and 12* in her past five innings.
  • Laura Wolvaardt has scored two half-centuries in three matches this season. Overall, she has 126 runs to her name at an average of 42.00 and strike rate of 141.57.
  • Ashleigh Gardner is Giants’ second-highest scorer (144) and joint-leading wicket-taker (9).
  • Kim Garth took a memorable 5/36 against UP Warriorz earlier this season. This included the dismissals of Alyssa Healy, Kiran Navgire and Tahlia McGrath.

UP Warriorz:

  • Grace Harris is a genuine X-Factor player. She smashed a 26-ball 59* to seal a memorable win against Gujarat earlier this season. Also, she is coming off a vital 28-ball 39 against Mumbai.
  • Alyssa Healy is UP Warriorz’s leading run-scorer in WPL 2023: 6 inns, 194 runs, avg. 38.80, SR 148.09.
  • Tahlia McGrath took advantage of early luck against Mumbai, but showed her class once again in her 25-ball 38. Overall this season, McGrath has hit 180 runs at an average of 45.00 and strike rate of 156.52.
  • Sophie Ecclestone is even more dangerous now that the pitches are slower and taking more spin. She is the equal-leading wicket-taker in WPL 2023 with 12 at an economy of just 6.12.

Other Stats and Facts

  • UP Warriorz (175/7) chased Gujarat’s 169/6 with one to ball to spare in their previous meeting.
  • Warriorz score at just 6.30 runs per over in the powerplay this season. The corresponding figure for Giants is 6.38. These are the worst figures in WPL 2023.
  • Giants have conceded 9.35 runs per over in the powerplay – the worst of any team. An opportunity awaits Healy and co. to get a quick start.

Brabourne Stadium Mumbai Pitch Report and Weather

The pitches may be getting slower, but Brabourne is still a belter as the Gujarat-RCB match showed. However, the day game means the ball is less likely to skid onto the bat in the absence of dew, so the spinners should have a say in this clash.

The average first innings score in the last five games is 158.8. The team batting second won three of them, but batting first can have its advantages in this afternoon clash.

A warm and mostly clear day is forecast, with a top of about 31 degrees.

WPL 2023 Match 17: GUJ-W vs UP-W Dream11 Prediction Today

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article as well as your own instincts to create your teams.

Option 1:

GG-W vs UP-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: WPL 2023 Match 17 | GG-W vs UP-W Dream11 Prediction Today | Brabourne Pitch Report
WPL 2023 Match 17: GUJ-W vs UP-W Dream11 Prediction Today

Option 2:

GG-W vs UP-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: WPL 2023 Match 17 | GG-W vs UP-W Dream11 Prediction Today | Brabourne Pitch Report
WPL 2023 Match 17: GUJ-W vs UP-W Dream11 Prediction Today

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Alyssa Healy
  • Batters: Grace Harris, Laura Wolvaardt
  • All-rounders: Tahlia McGrath, Ashleigh Gardner
  • Bowlers: Sophie Ecclestone

WPL 2023 Match 17: GUJ-W vs UP-W Match Prediction – Who will win?

UP Warriorz should prevail with a victory.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

IND vs AUS 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
-
0
IND vs AUS 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report

IND vs AUS 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | IND vs AUS 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Vizag Pitch Report

Australia named a very long batting lineup for the first ODI, but it counted for little as they were bundled out for just 188. Mitchell Marsh (81) aside, the Australians struggled for any rhythm, with a number of their players clearly lacking in match fitness and awareness.

That being said, the Australians fought back with the ball thanks to Mitchell Starc, who further confirmed his status as one of the great ODI bowlers. But, as has been the case in recent times, KL Rahul stepped up as India’s number five once again, with great support from man of the match Ravindra Jadeja.

So, what does the second ODI have in store? Both sides have room for improvement but also cause for optimism. Australia’s tendency to collapse in India is something they must sort out in a World Cup year, while India can take great confidence that their middle order can adjust to whatever the top order delivers.

While this series is not the be all and end all, it is never nice for Australia to lose a duel against one of their great rivals. A solid and improved performance will be the order of the day.

Match Details

  • Location: Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam.
  • Time: 1:30pm (IST).
  • For more cricket fixtures around the world, visit Fixture Calendar.

IND vs AUS 2nd ODI 2023 Possible Playing XIs

Rohit Sharma is back on deck for India. He is likely to replace Ishan Kishan.

India: 1. Rohit Sharma (c), 2. Shubman Gill, 3. Virat Kohli, 4. Suryakumar Yadav, 5. KL Rahul (wk), 6. Hardik Pandya, 7. Ravindra Jadeja, 8. Shardul Thakur/Umran Malik, 9. Kuldeep Yadav/Yuzvendra Chahal, 10. Mohammed Siraj, 11. Mohammed Shami

David Warner was ruled out of the first ODI due to his elbow problem. Alex Carey missed out due to illness. It remains to be seen if these two will return.

Also, Australia may look to play an extra specialist bowler in these conditions, i.e. Nathan Ellis. Marnus Labuschagne may miss out.

Australia: 1. Travis Head, 2. David Warner, 3. Steve Smith, 4. Mitchell Marsh, 5. Josh Inglis/Alex Carey (wk), 6. Cameron Green, 7. Glenn Maxwell, 8. Marcus Stoinis, 9. Sean Abbott/Nathan Ellis, 10. Mitchell Starc, 11. Adam Zampa

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

India:

  • Rohit Sharma loves playing against Australia. He averages 61.33 in 40 matches, with eight centuries and eight fifties.
  • Virat Kohli has hammered two fifties and three centuries in six ODIs at Vizag. Overall, he has scored 556 runs on this ground at an average of 111.20.
  • Shubman Gill missed out in the first ODI, but he is in imperious touch across formats and can be backed to bounce back. Since the start of 2022, Gill has smashed 1,225 runs in 19 ODIs at an average of 81.67.
  • KL Rahul played another gem at number five in ODIs. In this position, he has scored 733 runs in 17 ODIs at an average of 56.38 and strike rate of 99.72.
  • Ravindra Jadeja was man of the match in the first ODI. He scored 45*, took 2/46 and executed a fine catch. He will be key again.
  • Mohammed Siraj is the go-to man in the powerplay. He has taken at least one wicket in the powerplay in each of his last 11 ODIs.

Australia:

  • Steve Smith is key to Australia’s hopes. He averages 60.26 in 19 innings against India, with 1,145 runs in total.
  • Can Travis Head overcome India’s powerplay bowlers? In 19 innings as an ODI opener, Head has smashed 928 runs at an average of 48.84 and strike rate of 105.94. This includes nine 50+ scores.
  • Mitchell Marsh was the standout batsman for Australia in the first ODI. He smashed 81.
  • Mitchell Starc averages 36.05 with the ball in 14 ODIs against India. But, when it comes to World Cup years, Starc goes to another level. He dismissed Gill, Kohli and Suryakumar in a superb spell in the first ODI.
  • Adam Zampa has dismissed Virat Kohli five times in ODIs. However, Kohli has scored 214 runs against him at an average of 42.8 and strike rate of 110.9.

Other Stats and Facts

  • Rohit vs Starc in ODIs: 105 balls, 102 runs, two dismissals.
  • Kuldeep Yadav has picked up nine wickets in three ODIs at Vizag at an average of just 17.88.
  • Glenn Maxwell strikes at 137.46 in 28 ODI innings against India (921 runs, avg. 36.84).

Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam (Vizag) Pitch Report and Weather

Rain could impact this match with thunderstorms forecast throughout the day. So, the captain who wins the toss may choose to chase.

The average first innings score in the past four ODIs at Vizag is 298. India belted 387/5 against West Indies in December 2019, with Rohit Sharma (159) and KL Rahul (102) enjoying a day out. Expect a pretty good batting pitch once again.

IND vs AUS 2nd ODI 2023 Dream11 Prediction Today 19 March 2023

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article as well as your own instincts to create your teams.

Option 1:

IND vs AUS 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | IND vs AUS 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Vizag Pitch Report
IND vs AUS 2nd ODI 2023 Dream11 Prediction Today 19 March 2023

Option 2:

IND vs AUS 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | IND vs AUS 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Vizag Pitch Report
IND vs AUS 2nd ODI 2023 Dream11 Prediction Today 19 March 2023

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: KL Rahul
  • Batters: Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Shubman Gill
  • All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya
  • Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Mohammed Shami

IND vs AUS 2nd ODI 2023 Match Prediction – Who will win?

Weather permitting, India should prevail and seal the series.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL 2023 Preview: 1st title for RCB?

Charbel Coorey
-
0
Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL 2023 Preview: 1st title for RCB?

Cricket News: Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL 2023 Preview: 1st title for RCB? | RCB IPL 2023 SWOT Analysis

Royal Challengers Bangalore has become a much more consistent force in recent years, reaching the playoffs in every season since the start of 2020. However, will this be the year they go to the next level and break their title duck?

They are well placed to give this tournament a shake. They have a balanced squad, with matchwinners sprinkled throughout. Also, they return to their home ground in Bengaluru, where they are sure to be greeted by arguably the most passionate fanbase in the league.

In this article, we will look at their possible XI, as well as analyse their key strengths and weaknesses.

You can watch CricBlog’s RCB preview on YouTube here or below.

RCB IPL 2023 Squad

*Excluding the injured Will Jacks.

PlayerRoleAuction Price
Virat KohliBatsmanINR 15 CR(R)
Suyash PrabhudessaiBatsmanINR 30 Lakhs(R)
Faf du PlessisBatsmanINR 7 crores(R)
Rajat PatidarBatsmanINR 20 Lakhs(R)
Anuj Rawat (wk)WK-BatsmanINR 3.40 crores(R)
Finn Allen (wk)WK-BatsmanINR 80 Lakhs(R)
Dinesh Karthik (wk)WK-BatsmanINR 5.50 crores(R)
Mohammed SirajBowlerINR 7 CR(R)
Karn SharmaBowlerINR 50 Lakhs(R)
Siddarth KaulBowlerINR 75 Lakhs(R)
Josh HazlewoodBowlerINR 7.75 crores(R)
Harshal PatelBowlerINR 10.75 crores(R)
Akash DeepBowlerINR 20 Lakhs(R)
Glenn MaxwellAll-rounderINR 11 CR(R)
David WilleyAll-rounderINR 2 crores(R)
Mahipal LomrorAll-rounderINR 95 Lakhs(R)
Shahbaz AhmedAll-rounderINR 2.40 crores(R)
Wanindu HasarangaAll-rounderINR 10.75 crores(R)
Reece TopleyBowlerINR 1.90 crores
Himanshu SharmaBowlerINR 20 Lakhs
Manoj BhandageAllrounderINR 20 Lakhs
Rajan KumarBowlerINR 70 Lakhs
Avinash SinghBowlerINR 60 Lakhs
R Sonu YadavAllrounderINR 20 Lakhs

RCB Possible Playing XI for first match

1. Faf du Plessis (c & OS), 2. Virat Kohli, 3. Rajat Patidar, 4. Glenn Maxwell (OS), 5. Mahipal Lomror, 6. Dinesh Karthik (wk), 7. Wanindu Hasaranga (OS), 8. Shahbaz Ahmed, 9. Harshal Patel, 10. Josh Hazlewood/Reece Topley (OS), 11. Mohammed Siraj

RCB IPL 2023 Preview: Strengths & Weaknesses

Here are some of the key strengths and weaknesses for RCB ahead of IPL 2023, also touching on their opportunities and threats.

Strengths/Opportunities

Continuity. Not too many squad changes from a strong 2022 season

RCB entered the IPL 2023 auction in what felt an unusual position. They didn’t have too many gaps to plug in their first XI, and with 18 retentions, they could focus on building squad depth. The franchise did that quite nicely, with the likes of Reece Topley and Will Jacks (potentially to be replaced by Michael Bracewell) capable of offering value throughout the season.

Excellent mix of youth and experience in their top six

Rajat Patidar had a breakthrough season in IPL 2022. Mahipal Lomror has the potential to do the same in IPL 2023. These two up-and-coming talents will mix with excellent experience once again, with Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and Dinesh Karthik making up a pretty strong core.

Bowling attack to cover all phases of the innings

The bowling has been RCB’s achilles heel over the years, especially at the Chinnaswamy. However, key to their consistency over the past few years has been a more balanced bowling attack, with this group possessing the skill to perform across key phases of an innings.

Mohammed Siraj, who had a tough 2022, has the quality to bounce back in 2023 and be the team’s leader in the powerplay. Wanindu Hasaranga is a middle overs’ machine, while Harshal Patel is the go-to man at the death. Also, if RCB have Josh Hazlewood available, it only boosts them up further.

Weaknesses/Threats

Question marks around number five spot

The number five position is vital in T20s. Either a rebuild is required, or you need to go all guns blazing from ball one.

Mahipal Lomror often occupied that position in IPL 2022. The 23-year old has batted eight times at number five in the IPL, scoring 172 runs at a strike rate of 121.13. Ideally, RCB will want a better strike rate in that position, which is an area of focus for both Lomror and the franchise in 2023. If that happens, the pressure reduces on Dinesh Karthik, who will have to play extremely well to match his terrific 2022 season.

Slow starts in the powerplay is a possibility

Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli are outstanding players. However, they both can take their time to get started, which may result in slower starts. In fact, du Plessis himself struck at just 104.7 in the powerplay in IPL 2022, while Kohli was only marginally better at 116.8.

To reduce the pressure on the likes of Patidar, Maxwell and Karthik, at least one of du Plessis or Kohli should look to be as proactive as possible from the outset. This is especially important at the Chinnaswamy, the home of many high-scoring matches over the years.

Glenn Maxwell only just returning from injury

This is a threat to RCB, rather than a weakness. Glenn Maxwell, who has been outstanding for the franchise since he joined two seasons ago, is only just coming off a serious broken leg injury. How quickly he gets going is vital for RCB, given he provides middle order impetus and important overs with the ball.

Verdict

RCB look good for another playoffs’ berth. They have a settled squad and quality first XI, with some capable backup options as well.

You can watch CricBlog’s RCB preview on YouTube here or below.

IND vs AUS 1st ODI Twitter reactions: KL Rahul, Jadeja lead India to victory

Charbel Coorey
-
0
IND vs AUS 1st ODI Twitter reactions: KL Rahul, Jadeja lead India to victory

Cricket News: IND vs AUS 1st ODI Twitter reactions: KL Rahul, Jadeja lead India to victory | Twitter reactions to another fine KL Rahul knock in ODIs

KL Rahul’s latest gem in ODIs, in partnership with Ravindra Jadeja’s excellent all-round display, led India to a hard-fought victory in the first of three matches against Australia. In trouble at 83/5 chasing 189 on a Wankhede surface offering movement, Rahul (75*) and Jadeja (45*) combined for a superb unbeaten 108-run stand to seal victory.

Rahul, who has often come under fire in the T20 and Test formats, has made the number five position his own in ODIs. In 17 innings, he has now scored 733 runs at an average of 56.38 and strike rate of 99.72, with eight 50+ scores. These are excellent numbers in what is a tricky position, which gives India great confidence in a World Cup year at home.

With regards to Jadeja, it was simply another day at the office. Named player of the match in his 300th international appearance, the all-rounder struck a vital 45* with the bat after taking 2/46 with the ball and a blinder of a catch to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne. If he continues in this manner, both India and Chennai Super Kings will benefit greatly in their quest for glory in 2023.

Twitter reactions: KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja produce gems to guide India to victory in 1st ODI against Australia

Fans were full of praise for the duo on Twitter. “Excellent composure under pressure and a brilliant innings by KL Rahul. Top knock. Great support by Ravindra Jadeja and a good win for India,” read one tweet. “KL Rahul’s knock so far has been a masterclass in staying focused, keeping a cool head, and taking calculative risks in the middle order, qualities that are much-needed in our ODI team’s middle order, especially when we lose early wickets. We were 16/3 today when he came to bat,” read another.

Here are some of the reactions to India’s win.

RCB-W vs GUJ-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: WPL 2023 Match 16

Robin Rounder
-
0
RCB-W vs GUJ-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: WPL 2023 Match 16

RCB-W vs GUJ-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: WPL 2023 Match 16 | RCB-W vs GUJ-W Dream11 Prediction Today | Brabourne Pitch Report

It will be a crucial clash of the teams at the bottom of the points table when Royal Challengers Bangalore will take on the Gujarat Giants in the 16th game of WPL 2023.

It is a must-win game for RCB after losing their first five matches. They registered their first win of the season in their last game, defeating UP Warriorz by five wickets in what was a morale-boosting performance. Ellyse Perry has been in exceptional form while Sophie Devine is performing well, and the emergence of 20-year old all-rounder Kanika Ahuja.

Here, Royal Challengers Bangalore women will look to play as a team and win this game to keep their play-offs hopes alive, with Heather Knight and the under-par Smriti Mandhana also crucial to their chances.

Gujarat Giants, meanwhile, are one position above RCB at number four in the points table with two wins in six games. They won their last game by 11 runs against the Delhi Capitals, thanks to a stirring performance with the ball.

They have been very inconsistent as a team but they’ve looked in good form in the last two games. Ashleigh Gardner found her touch with the bat, while Laura Wolvaardt is in good form as well. Harleen Deol and Sneh Rana have been consistent, and they need Sophia Dunkley to score runs consistently at the top. Indeed, Gujarat will be on their toes as they also need to win this game to stay alive in the competition.

Match Details

  • Location: Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai.
  • Time: 7:30pm (IST).
  • For more cricket fixtures around the world, visit Fixture Calendar.

WPL 2023 Match 16: RCB-W vs GUJ-W Possible Playing XIs

Royal Challengers Bangalore: 1. Smriti Mandhana (c), 2. Sophie Devine, 3. Ellyse Perry, 4. Heather Knight, 5. Kanika Ahuja, 6. Richa Ghosh (wk), 7. Shreyanka Patil, 8. Disha Kasat, 9. Megan Schutt, 10. Sobhana Asha, 11. Renuka Singh Thakur

Gujarat Giants: 1. Sophia Dunkley, 2. Laura Wolvaardt, 3. Harleen Deol, 4. Ashleigh Gardner, 5. Dayalan Hemlatha, 6. Ashwani Kumari, 7. Sneh Rana (c), 8. Sushma Verna (wk), 9. Tanuja Kanwar, 10. Mansi Joshi, 11. Ashwani Kumari

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Royal Challengers Bangalore

  • Ellyse Perry has been the best player for RCB in WPL 2023. She has been in sublime form with the bat and has picked up a few wickets as well.
  • Perry is the second-highest run-scorer of the tournament with 205 runs in six innings at an average of 41 including two 50+ scores.
  • Sophie Devine has improved her value in the team as she started bowling in the last game and picked up two important wickets. She has been in good form with the bat and has given good starts to her side. Devine has scored 167 runs at a strike rate of 143.97.
  • Richa Ghosh scored 31 runs in the last game and 37 in the game before that. She is a hard-hitting batter and can take down any bowling attack on her day. Richa has been in good form with the gloves as well.
  • Sobhana Asha has played two games and she has picked up two wickets each in both matches. She has bowled well and is the lead spinner for her side. Asha has controlled the flow of runs and picked up wickets in the middle overs.

Gujarat Giants

  • Sophia Dunkley smashed 65 (28) against RCB earlier this season.
  • Ashleigh Gardner scored 51* runs in the last game and picked up two wickets as well. She has picked up 5 wickets (2+3) in the last two games and a total of nine wickets in six matches.
  • Harleen Deol is the only consistent player with the bat for the Giants. She has scored 186 runs at an average of 31 in six matches, including 67 (45) vs RCB. She bowled in the last game and picked up one wicket as well.
  • Laura Wolvaardt scored 57 runs in the last game which was her second game of the WPL. She is one of the best batters in women’s cricket and is known for performing consistently. She can hold one end and take the attack to the opposition.
  • Kim Garth picked up two wickets and conceded only 18 runs in her four overs in the last game. She is the lead pacer for Gujarat and has been in good form with the ball. Garth has eight wickets to her name in five matches.

Other Stats and Facts

  • Gujarat Giants (201/7) beat Royal Challengers Bangalore (190/6) on this ground earlier in WPL 2023.
  • Heather Knight smashed 30* (11) against Gujarat in their previous meeting.
  • Sophie Devine struck a 45-ball 66 against Gujarat back on March 8th.

Brabourne Stadium Mumbai Pitch Report and Weather

The pitches have started to get tired and two-paced. The spinners have got some assistance off the track, and will look to build on that today. Also, there will be likely be some movement for the pacers with the new ball.

Despite all that, it will still be a good pitch to bat on and the batters can dominate the game once they are settled in. The average first innings score at Brabourne is 170 runs in WPL 2023. It is 156 runs in the last three games. Chasing sides have won four out of the seven games played here. 

WPL 2023 Match 16: RCB-W vs GUJ-W Dream11 Prediction Today 18 March 2023

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article as well as your own instincts to create your teams.

Option 1:

RCB-W vs GUJ-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: WPL 2023 Match 16 | RCB-W vs GUJ-W Dream11 Prediction Today | Brabourne Pitch Report
WPL 2023 Match 16: RCB-W vs GUJ-W Dream11 Prediction Today 18 March 2023

Option 2:

RCB-W vs GUJ-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: WPL 2023 Match 16 | RCB-W vs GUJ-W Dream11 Prediction Today | Brabourne Pitch Report
WPL 2023 Match 16: RCB-W vs GUJ-W Dream11 Prediction Today 18 March 2023

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Richa Ghosh
  • Batters: Sophie Devine, Laura Wolvaardt
  • All-rounders: Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner
  • Bowlers: Megan Schutt

WPL 2023 Match 16: RCB-W vs GUJ-W Match Prediction – Who will win?

Both teams have been struggling but RCB looks more balanced and they have many quality players in their ranks. They are expected to win this game.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes, with the stats and writer’s views in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

Chennai Super Kings IPL 2023 Preview: CSK to bounce back?

Charbel Coorey
-
0
Chennai Super Kings IPL 2023 Preview: CSK to bounce back?

Cricket News: Chennai Super Kings IPL 2023 Preview: CSK to bounce back? | CSK IPL 2023 SWOT Analysis: Can MS Dhoni’s team return to the top?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the most successful franchises in all of T20 cricket, had a season to forget in 2022. The team came ninth, saved from a bottom-placed finish due to net run rate, with injuries, captaincy drama and lack of form for key players derailing their season.

Heading into IPL 2023, CSK have a renewed sense of hope. Ravindra Jadeja is on deck and everything seems to be fine between he and the team management. The addition of Ben Stokes can prove to be very beneficial. And, of course, there is the return to Chepauk, CSK’s spiritual home, where their spinners can be very tough to handle.

You can also watch CricBlog’s CSK preview on YouTube here or below.

CSK squad for IPL 2023

*Excluding Kyle Jamieson, who is injured. Sisanda Magala has been added as his replacement.

MS Dhoni (c)Batsman/Wicket-keeper
Devon ConwayBatsman
Sisanda MagalaAll-rounder
Ruturaj GaikwadBatsman
Ambati RayuduBatsman/Wicket-keeper
Subhranshu SenapatiBatsmen
Moeen AliAll-Rounder
Shivam DubeAll-Rounder
Rajvardhan HangargekarBowler
Dwaine PretoriusAll-Rounder
Mitchell SantnerBowler
Ravindra JadejaAll-Rounder
Tushar DeshpandeBowler
Mukesh ChowdharyBowler
Matheesha PathiranaBowler
Simarjeet SinghBowler
Deepak ChaharBowler
Prashant SolankiBowler
Maheesh TheekshanaBowler
Ajinkya RahaneBatsman
Ben StokesAll-Rounder
Shaik RasheedBatsman
Nishant SindhuAll-Rounder
Ajay MandalAll-Rounder
Bhagath Varma

CSK possible XI for first match

In a big blow for CSK, Mukesh Chowdhury is out for an extended period due to injury.

1. Ben Stokes (OS), 2. Ruturaj Gaikwad, 3. Devon Conway (OS), 4. Ambati Rayudu, 5. Ravindra Jadeja, 6. Moeen Ali (OS), 7. MS Dhoni (c & wk), 8. Deepak Chahar, 9. Maheesh Theekshana (OS), 10. Tushar Deshpande, 11. Simranjeet Singh/Rajvardhan Hangargekar

ALSO READ: Mumbai Indians (MI) IPL 2023 Preview: Can the five-time champions make it six?

CSK IPL 2023 Preview: Strengths & Weaknesses

That being said, let’s have a look at CSK’s key strengths and weaknesses heading into the new season.

Strengths

Quality all-rounders delivers excellent team balance

Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja are all excellent all-rounders in their own right. All three can turn the game in CSK’s favour, with Stokes a danger up top (should CSK bat him higher up the order), Moeen excellent in the middle and Jadeja more than capable to finish strongly.

Also, CSK can turn to the trio to deliver at least 8+ overs between them, giving skipper MS Dhoni a number of bowling options to turn to.

Return of Deepak Chahar

CSK missed Deepak Chahar’s services terribly in IPL 2022. The seamer has been a mainstay of the franchise over the years, with his powerplay exploits often holding CSK in great stead.

His limited amount of competitive cricket in 2023 can be a worry, but he can quickly adjust to the intensity of the IPL with his experience and ability.

Return to Chepauk

With the IPL back to a full home and away season, CSK will enjoy seven league games at their beloved Chepauk. MS Dhoni’s team have often been very difficult to beat on this ground, with the pitches usually aiding spinners. Of course, the franchise boasts strong spin options in Maheesh Theekshana, Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali and Mitchell Santner among others, while the likes of Devon Conway, Ben Stokes and Ambati Rayudu are strong players of spin.

Weaknesses

Bowling stocks on good batting surfaces

Given the return of the full home and away season, CSK will play matches on excellent batting pitches around the country. The key question is whether the franchise has enough depth in their pace department to cope.

Chahar, as mentioned, is certainly the leader of the pack, but who else can step up? Mukesh Chowdhury is injured. Tushar Deshpande and Rajvardhan Hangargekar have their qualities, but how well they can limit brilliant players across the entireity of the tournament remains to be seen. Simranjeet Singh and Matheesha Pathirana (overseas) are two other seam bowlers who could see decent game time throughout IPL 2023.

In terms of spin options, CSK have only the inexperienced Prashant Solanki as a wristspinner in the squad. It will be interesting to see how the men in yellow fare in IPL 2023 with the makeup of their bowling attack.

Lack of strong backups for key players

Deepak Chahar’s injury had a profound impact on CSK in IPL 2022, and the team needs him to stay fit throughout IPL 2023 such is his influence. Also, CSK lack quality backups for their key all-rounders, so one feels the franchise needs a good run with injuries throughout the campaign.

Verdict: How will CSK fare in IPL 2023?

The return to Chepauk means CSK are in with a shout of qualifying to the playoffs as they can win most – if not all – of their matches at home. Whether CSK can win enough matches away from home is the key question, with the bowling attack a bit of a worry. Because of that, they might miss the playoffs by a small margin, i.e. one or two wins.

ALSO READ: Mumbai Indians (MI) IPL 2023 Preview: Can the five-time champions make it six?

1...168169170...497Page 169 of 497