IPL 2023, Eliminator: 'No match for this player' - Piyush Chawla takes centre tage ahead of LSG vs MI match at

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IPL 2023 gears up for yet another high-voltage encounter as Lucknow Super Giants take on Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator at MA Chidambaram Stadium.

When the two teams met last time in IPL 2023, the newcomers, Lucknow, triumphed over five-time champions, Mumbai. Mumbai Indians will be aiming to return the favour this time around and settle the score.

The Chepauk track is traditionally known for aiding spinners, hence the focus in the Eliminator will be on the tweakers of both teams. LSG and MI have quality spin bowlers in their ranks and all eyes will be on the veteran MI spinner Piyush Chawla. Chawla - who was sitting in the Star Sports Studio as an expert - showed his hunger for taking wickets and feasted on opposition batters.

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has hailed the 34-year-old leg-spinner 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 he 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.

Speaking on Star Sports Studio, Md Kaif 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."

Chawla is the joint fourth-highest wicket-taker in the IPL 2023. He has picked 20 wickets at an average of 21.10 and an economy rate of 7.81. Overall, he is third on the list of Indian bowlers with most T20 wickets.

Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin lead the list, while Chawla is third with 296 wickets in 275 wickets at an average of 24.12 and an economy rate of 7.43.

(With input from press release)