"Rashid Khan is the trump card for Gujarat" - Virender Sehwag picks Afghan spinner as key for GT in Qualifier 1

Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has picked Afghan sensation Rashid Khan as the key for the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1 against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Chennai on Tuesday, May 23.

Rashid is the joint-leading wicket-taker this season alongside teammate Mohammed Shami, with 24 wickets in 14 games at an average of 18.25 and an economy rate of 7.82 runs per over.

Speaking to Star Sports ahead of the marquee clash, Virender Sehwag said:

"Rashid Khan is the trump card for Gujarat. If they want wickets, they bring him. And then the way Hardik has used Rashid, it is commendable. Rashid likes to break partnerships and now he has become the most successful bowler of this season on the basis of his excellent performance."

Rashid Khan has been instrumental in GT finishing on top of the points table with 20 points in 14 games.

He played a pivotal role in the team winning the IPL title a year ago in their debut season, picking up 19 wickets in 16 games.

The 24-year-old has also been valuable with the bat, making valuable contributions down the order at critical junctures, evidenced by his incredible strike rate of 237.50.

In the season opener, Rashid was the Player of the Match in GT's impressive win against CSK, picking up two wickets and scoring a valuable 10 off just three deliveries.

GT will hope for a similar performance from the leg-spinner as they look to qualify for the final for a second straight season.

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"Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans have been very similar teams tactically" - Sanjay Manjarekar ahead of the CSK-GT clash

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjarekar analyzed the Chennai Super Kings and the Gujarat Titans ahead of their marquee clash in Qualifier 1 and felt that the teams are similar in most departments on and off the field.

Led by the impressive Hardik Pandya, GT won the IPL title a year ago, while CSK have been IPL champions four times in their rich history.

Speaking to Star Sports, Manjarekar previewed the matchup between the teams by saying:

"Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans have been very similar teams tactically. Both these teams don't look to make too much of changes and the leadership group keeps the atmosphere light in the dressing room. The battle between these two in playoffs will be an interesting one."

GT have beaten CSK in all three meetings between the sides and have chased a total in all three games.

The matchup features the winners of the last two IPL seasons, with the Super Kings winning in 2021 and Gujarat coming out triumphant a year ago.

The winner will qualify for the final, while the loser will get another opportunity in Qualifier 2 on Friday, May 26, to reach the summit clash.