"It will be very challenging for the teams": beating CSK in Chennai won't be easy, reckons Gautam Gambhir

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The IPL 2023 returns on March 31 and for the first time in four years, the tournament will be played across the whole country.

This year maybe the final one for one of the stalwarts of Indian cricket, MS Dhoni, as the former India captain takes the pitch to play for Chennai Super Kings. With the IPL being played at the Cheepauk Stadium, there will be a massive support for Dhoni and the team, which can make things difficult for the opponents.

And former India opener Gautam Gambhir reckons teams going to CSK won't find things easy, and believes as a whole, home advantage will determine the course of the tournament and the fate of the teams.

"When you play at home, which always has been Chennai Super Kings' strength, they have always made it a point to make their home a fortress. Whenever they have played away, it's been a challenge for them. So, when you win majority of matches at home, then you don't need to win too many matches away. So, it will be very challenging for the teams visiting Chennai at their home ground," Gambhir said while speaking to Star Sports.

Gambhir also believes there won't be any favourites to win the tournament this year as the tournament will be played across the country. This will be the first time the new franchises Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants will play at their home stadiums.

"Previously, all the matches were played under similar conditions, but this time, it will be challenging for the teams playing at different venues with grounds having different dimensions, wickets, combinations. So, I believe you can't take any team lightly. If the tournament was being held at two or three venues, then probably, you could have named two or three teams as favourites," he added.

CSK are the second most successful franchise in IPL history with 4 titles, and with a potential swansong in Dhoni's career, they would be vying to lift the coveted title for the final time under the leadership of captain cool.