Hardik Pandya's Gujarat Titans (GT), the defending champions, will go up against MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 Final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday (May 28). Interestingly, IPL 2023 Final between Chennai and Ahmedabad will be the repeat of this year's inaugural match in the tournament. Chennai Super Kings completed a convincing win over Gujarat Titans in IPL 2023 Qualifier to make it to their 10th IPL Final, while GT rode on Shubman Gill's sublime ton - third of the season and a remarkable fifer from Mohit Sharma to beat MI in Eliminator, set up summit clash against CSK in Ahmedabad.
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Meanwhile, ahead of high-octane GT vs CSK IPL 2023 Final, experts and former cricketers predicted favourites to win the IPL 2023 Final.
Speaking on Star Sports' Cricket Live, ex-India cricketer Harbhajan Singh said the only thing that stands between Gujarat Titans and their second successive IPL trophy is MS Dhoni.
"CSK is a successful team and surprisingly has played with the same team. This team has reached the finals the most number of times because each of its players believes in the ability of each of their partners. Part of the reason is that its captain believes in his teammates and is one of the most shrewd cricketing minds in the world - his name is Mahendra Singh Dhoni."
Former India cricketer, Irfan Pathan opined MS Dhoni's presence in the CSK dressing room will keep them in contention and fans in Ahmedabad divided.
Speaking on Star Sports' Cricket Live, Irfan Pathan said, "Quality wise Gujarat Titans are much ahead in the bowling department than CSK. In terms of man-to-man marking. Gujarat Titans are ahead. But it will be an emotional match between CSK and GT. I am a Gujarati and will want GT to win, but my feelings are inclined towards MS Dhoni. There's still no clarity on whether he'll play next year. Because of the Dhoni factor, the heart is backing CSK."