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IPL 2023 Eliminator: 5 players to watch out for

The cricketing fans are all set to be treated with a blockbuster showdown as the much-anticipated first Eliminator of IPL 2023 between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) takes place in Chennai on Tuesday.

The stage is set at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium, where the mighty Mumbai will clash with the resilient Lucknow in a battle for the ages.

Mumbai Indians, five-time champions, are determined to reclaim their spot in the final after a lacklustre performance in the previous season. With a stunning comeback this year, they have stormed into the playoffs, oozing confidence and hungry for another title. Meanwhile, LSG have secured their spot in the IPL playoffs for the second consecutive season, proving their consistency and determination.

The Chepauk Stadium’s pitch, known for its spin-friendly nature, sets the stage for a fascinating contest. Two back-to-back games grace this venue, adding to the excitement. Traditionally, teams batting first have had an edge here, although successful chases have also occurred this season. The battle between bat and ball, further intensified by the presence of veteran leg-spinners Amit Mishra for LSG and Piyush Chawla for MI, promises to be a spectacle to behold.

Adding to the intrigue, LSG has enjoyed a flawless record against MI, emerging victorious in all three previous encounters. However, this match will test their mettle once again as they aim to maintain their winning streak against the five-time champions. MI, fueled by the desire for redemption, will be relentless in their pursuit of breaking LSG’s dominance and advancing to the next stage.

Here are the top 5 players to watch out for in the IPL 2023 Eliminator:

  • Piyush Chawla: The veteran spinner has had a sensational comeback in the TATA IPL 2023, emerging as one of the leading wicket-takers with 20 scalps at an economy of 7.81. His expertise on the spin-friendly track at Chepauk makes him a crucial player for Mumbai Indians, and his performance could be key to their success in the eliminator.
  • Nicholas Pooran: The explosive West Indian batsman has been a game-changer for Lucknow Super Giants. With his ability to score quick runs, Pooran has played crucial innings, helping his team set imposing targets. Having amassed 358 runs at a blistering strike rate of 173.79, LSG will heavily rely on his firepower to emerge victorious in the eliminator.
  • Cameron Green: The talented all-rounder had a remarkable debut season in the IPL for Mumbai Indians. Green’s century in the final group stage match propelled MI to a stunning chase, showcasing his immense batting prowess. With two half-centuries and valuable contributions with the ball, Green will be a vital asset for MI in their quest for victory.
  • Ravi Bishnoi: LSG’s go-to man for picking up key wickets and breaking partnerships, Ravi Bishnoi has been a standout performer. The leg-spinner has bagged 16 wickets at an economy of 7.76, displaying his ability to thrive on spinner-friendly pitches. Bishnoi’s role will be crucial in LSG’s bowling attack as they seek to outsmart the MI batsmen.
  • Suryakumar Yadav: While he may have started slowly, Suryakumar Yadav has emerged as Mumbai Indians’ most dangerous weapon in the latter stages of the tournament. With four half-centuries and a century to his name, Yadav has accumulated 511 runs at an impressive strike rate of 185.14. His explosive batting and vast range of shots make him a formidable opponent for the LSG bowlers.
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Piyush Chawla’s wicket-taking software is amazing: Harbhajan

Five-time champions Mumbai Indians will take on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in an another high-voltage encounter in the Eliminator of the IPL 2023 at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday.

When the two teams met last time in the ongoing season, newcomers LSG triumphed over the five-time champions and so the Rohit Sharma-led side will be aiming to return the favour this time around and settle the score.

Notably, the Chepauk wicket is traditionally known for helping the spinners, hence the focus in the Eliminator will be on the tweakers of both teams.

Both LSG and MI have quality spin bowlers in their ranks and all eyes will be on the veteran MI spinner Piyush Chawla.

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has hailed the 34-year-old leggie, who has been nothing short of a revelation in the ongoing season due to his penchant for outfoxing even the best of batters in the competition.

Speaking on Star Sports Studio, Harbhajan Singh said: “Piyush Chawla’s wicket-taking software is amazing. This guy is awesome. He has troubled the veterans of every team with his spin. I am very happy for this player because, in the last season, he was not considered useful by any team. This season it has told every team that there is no replacement for experience. There is no match for this player.”

Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif also lavished praise upon the leg-spinner from Uttar Pradesh for doing the bulk of the damage for his team in this competition and said: “Chawla has taken half of the wickets that Mumbai has taken so far. This is a champion bowler. As if taking wickets on the very first ball in every match has become his habit. Chawla has proved that there is no substitute for experience. He has stability in his deliveries and has been impressive on all types of wickets. His impact this season has been solid.”

Meanwhile, focus will also be on Mr 360-degree Suryakumar Yadav – who has set the tournament on fire with his electrifying performances with the willow.

Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar praised the Mumbaikar for his batting effort this season however, also cautioned him to make those subtle changes in his batting to prevail on the spin-friendly Chennai track.

“SKY is outstanding. Look at the big stride he takes when it comes to playing such agricultural shots. However, he needs to plan his game better on slow and turning pitches. He’s going to be crucial for MI in the Playoffs games. Remember, the first couple of playoff games are going to be played on a slow Chennai track.”

Significantly, in the absence of regular captain KL Rahul, senior cricketer Krunal Pandya has performed well for Lucknow, making good use of the conditions and players at his disposal.

Harbhajan recknoed that the way the senior of the Pandya Brothers rotated the spinners will bode LSG well on slow Chepauk tracks.

“Credit to Krunal Pandya for rotating his bowlers well. It was the highest quality of spin bowling from LSG against KKR. Hat’s off to the spinners for bowling with courage in the middle overs and under tough situations. Good signs for them ahead of Playoffs as Chepauk is good for spinners.”

Meanwhile, former India cricketer Yusuf Pathan also showered prais on LSG mentor Gautam Gambhir for showing faith in Nicholas Pooran despite his initial struggles in the season and the senior West Indies batter is returning the favour with consistent performances this season.

“Gautam Gambhir showed his faith in Nicholas Pooran’s potential. Nicholas Pooran is finally proving his mettle in IPL in this tournament because of the backing and support from LSG team management.”