Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans will square off in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2023 at Chepauk.
While many experts feel that playing on home ground will give CSK an edge over GT, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh feels the contest will be intense as the MS Dhoni-led side hasn’t performed well at home this year.
In the league stage, CSK lost three out of seven matches at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. They went down against Rajasthan Royals (RR), Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by three runs, four wickets and six wickets respectively.
"The contest between CSK and GT will be intense as both teams know how to win big games. CSK playing at home is a big advantage. They know the conditions well, but somewhere their performance at home hasn't been foolproof this year.
"So this makes things interesting, but CSK looks a completely different side when it plays in the playoffs. I am really looking forward to this match," Harbhajan said while speaking on Star Sports.
CSK’s opening duo of Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad have been prolific this season. Both of them have 500+ runs to their name and have consistently provided the team with good starts.
"Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway come to the ground with full preparation. They have been complimenting each other very well this season.
“They have given good starts to CSK and scored runs in abundance and entertained the spectators. The team whose openers play well, tend to score well and that is why CSK are in a good position today," Harbhajan added.
It is worth mentioning here that Chennai Super Kings have never beaten Gujarat Titans in three IPL clashes so far.