The stage is set for the biggest battle of this year's Indian Premier League (IPL) final as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will take on Gujarat Titans (GT) in what promises to be a belter of a match.
The Super Kings are playing their 10th IPL final and eyeing their fifth crown that will see them go level with Mumbai Indians (MI) as the most successful franchise.
Meanwhile, the Titans are defending their crown and will hope to win their second straight title in their home ground, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The two sides have been blessed with some great match-winners, players who can take the game by the scruff of its neck and turn the tide in a matter of few balls.
Ahead of the grand occasion of the IPL 2023 Final, TSN presents the combined XI of CSK and GT.
MORE: Bet here on CSK v GT and all IPL 2023 final odds
Combined CSK vs GT XI, IPL 2023: Top order
Shubman Gill (GT): The Gujarat opener is in blistering form this season and is going to finish as the undisputed Orange Cap winner of IPL 2023. He is not just the best opener, but also the best batsman this campaign, scoring 851 runs in 16 innings and going full Super Saiyan Mode, especially in the last fortnight or so, scoring three centuries. He will surely fancy breaking Virat Kohli's record of 973 runs when he walks out to bat today.
Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK): Gaikwad has transformed from a promising talent to one of the seniors of this CSK side in a matter of two years as the 2021 Orange Cap winner has once again been a reliable batsman for his team at the top of the order, amassing 564 runs at a higher strike rate than any other IPL season.
Devon Conway (CSK): The Kiwi left-handed batsman might have been a late bloomer in cricket, but he is definitely here to stay. The heir apparent to CSK legend Michael Hussey for some, Conway is the highest run-getter for his team this season with 625 runs. Given his experience playing at No. 3, he completes the top order in CSK and GT's combined XI.
Combined CSK vs GT XI, IPL 2023: Middle and lower-middle order
Hardik Pandya (GT): Hardik Pandya has gone from a hard-hitting finisher to a dependable middle-order batsman who can roll his arms on a part-time basis. While we haven't witnessed Pandya's fireworks with the bat in the manner that we were used to, the Baroda-born all-rounder remains a vital cog for the Titans due to his transition into a leader as well his for his irreplaceable experience.
Shivam Dube (CSK): MS Dhoni has revived Shivam Dube this year after the Mumbaikar had a season to forget in 2022. Given a clear role and a spot higher up the order, Dube has repaid the faith shown in him by becoming the chaos-creator for opposition bowling lineups. Dube has enjoyed his best season, scoring 386 runs at a strike rate of close to 160, having hit thrice as many sixes as fours (12 fours, 33 sixes).
MS Dhoni, C & WK (CSK): In any combined XI involving CSK, it's impossible to drop the man, the myth, and the legend himself - MS Dhoni. 'Thala' hasn't batted much this season, but whenever he has, he has rolled back the years. However, it is his unparalleled acumen and the Midas touch that he possesses which make him an indispensable asset.
Ravindra Jadeja (CSK): The left-handed all-rounder is enjoying his best season with the ball, picking up 19 wickets (he also picked up 19 wickets in IPL 2014). Jadeja's can bat anywhere in the middle order, which is a luxury for any team to have, while his slow left-arm bowling has left batsmen perplexed regularly this season.
Rashid Khan (GT): This is hands-down Rashid Khan's best IPL season till date. Not only has he picked 27 wickets this season, his highest-ever returns in the IPL, but also shone with the bat in the limited opportunities he has had. He scored an unbeaten 79 against MI in the league phase. Although GT did lose that game, Rashid's innings helped reduce the margin of defeat by an extraordinary amount.
MORE: Make your IPL 2023 predictions and win prizes with Dafabet in Premier League Mania
Combined CSK vs GT XI, IPL 2023: Tailenders
Mohammed Shami (GT): The Purple Cap holder this year with 28 wickets, Shami has been as lethal as any bowler has ever been in IPL history. He has been almost unplayable in the powerplay and has been the spearhead of the multi-dimensional GT bowling attack.
Mohit Sharma (GT): The 34-year-old has undergone a major revival at GT this year, picking up 24 wickets and emerging as the best death bowler this season by a country mile. He has also been extremely economical, and his five-wicket haul against MI in Qualifier 2 helped GT progress to the Final in a comprehensive manner.
Matheesha Pathirana (CSK): The 'Baby Malinga' has stolen the limelight this year due to his almost identical bowling action to Lasith Malinga as well as his incredible control in the death overs. The Sri Lankan prodigy has been a blessing for MS Dhoni and he has truly shone under pressure situations. Pathirana has picked up 17 wickets in 11 games at an average of less than 20 and an economy rate of less than 8.
