IPL 2023: Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan and Mohammed Kaif make bold predictions ahead of CSK vs GT final

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After 73 nail-biting contests and high-adrenaline games, IPL 2023 has reached its crescendo as we have got the two finallists in Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans.

Interestingly, it will be a repeat of the opening game of IPL 2023 where defending champions Gujarat Titans hosted four-time champions Chennai Super Kings in their backyard amid much fanfare at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium.

Gujarat Titans - who were a team to beat from the start of the tournament - suffered a defeat in Qualifier 1 against CSK. In Qualifier 2 GT faced a resurgent Mumbai Indians but young Shubman Gill's sublime century - third of the season - and Mohit Sharma's five-wicket haul propelled the holders to an emphatic victory.

Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif claimed the IPL 2023 season came a full circle with GT facing CSK in the last game of the tournament. Speaking on Star Sports' Cricket Live, Md Kaif said, "It has been one-all between CSK and GT in this season. The IPL 2023 has come full circle as CSK and GT featured in the first match of the competition."

"The match was played at this very ground where GT won, and later CSK returned the favour when GT went to Chennai by defeating Gujarat by a big margin in Qualifier 1. So, the final is going to be a heavily-contested one."

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh stated the only thing that stands between Gujarat Titans and their second successive IPL trophy is MS Dhoni. Speaking on Star Sports Studio, Harbhajan Singh said, "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 Gujarat Titans have a very solid and well-rounded bowling attack but MS Dhoni's presence in the CSK dressing room will keep CSK in contention and the crowd being divided despite Gujarat Titans going to play on their home ground.

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."

(With input from press release)