GT vs CSK: Ruturaj Gaikwad served massive Ajinkya Rahane warning as Chennai look to seal their playoff spot

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is gearing up for a crucial encounter against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 59th match of the ongoing IPL 2024 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday, May 10. Ahead of this high-stakes match, former Indian wicketkeeper-batter and commentator Deep Dasgupta has suggested a strategic change for the defending champions.

Dasgupta believes that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) should consider dropping struggling batter Ajinkya Rahane for this important clash against the Gujarat Titans (GT). Highlighting Rahane's lack of form, the commentator said that he is not only struggling for runs in the ongoing IPL 2024 but also throughout the Ranji Trophy season.

He said that this year is not going well for Rahane. The former wicketkeeper further highlighted Rahane's weakness against spinners, which adds pressure on him to perform against fast bowlers. Dasgupta believes that England’s spin all-rounder, Moeen Ali, would be a great choice for CSK to replace Rahane against GT.

Deep Dasgupta calls for Ajinkya Rahane's omission in CSK's XI for GT clash

Deep Dasgupta said on ESPNCricinfo’s ‘TimeOut’ show: “Obviously, he's not in form. And I'm using this word form for a specific reason because it's not just the IPL, the Ranji Trophy season and everything put together. He hasn't had a good year."

"And I guess that's that. Importantly, you know, the issue also is against fast-bowling is still all right. It's how he's played the spinners. I think against spinners, his strike rate is down to 120 or something like that. And obviously, that puts extra pressure on him to go harder against the fast bowlers.”

Meanwhile, considering the options available to CSK, former New Zealand pacer and cricket expert Mitchell McClenaghan suggested the inclusion of Sameer Rizvi in the middle order at number three or four to provide depth to the batting lineup if CSK drops Rahane against GT. 

However, McClenaghan admitted that Rizvi's inclusion could lead to a reshuffle in the batting order, potentially promoting Daryl Mitchell to the top of the batting order. He said on the ‘Time Out’ show, “If you're going to drop Rohane, Rizvi may be taking a risk with him at number three.”

Deep Dasgupta advocates for Moeen Ali's inclusion in CSK's playing XI vs GT

On the other hand, Dasgupta believes that Moeen Ali’s inclusion could provide CSK with a strategic advantage in the upcoming IPL 2024 clash with GT. He feels CSK should utilize Moeen’s bowling prowess to bolster their bowling attack and effectively counter GT's heavy left-hand batting lineup.

Dasgupta added, “Why not Moeen Ali? I mean, you're going to play him. You would need Moeen Ali, the bowler against the left-hand heavy batting unit of GT.”

Better to rest Rahane? 🤔 #GTvCSK #TimeOut pic.twitter.com/PP6tW4OKkX

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 10, 2024

Notably, CSK is currently sitting in the fourth spot in the IPL 2024 points table with 12 points from the 11 matches that they have played so far in the tournament. Now, CSK have three games remaining in the tournament, and they have to win at least two to make it to the IPL 2024 playoffs.

On the other hand, Rahane has so far amassed only 208 runs in his 11 outings without a fifty, at a disappointing average of 20 and strike rate of 123.