The IPL 2023 final will be played between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 28, Sunday. These two sides had played the first match of the tournament on March 31 and also met in the Qualifier 1.
Gujarat Titans finished at the top of the IPL 2023 points table with 20 points and 10 wins, while Chennai finished second with 17 points to their name. CSK then defeated GT in the Qualifier 1 in Chennai to make it into their 10th final in IPL history.
Gujarat then defeated Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 in Ahmedabad to make it into their second successive IPL final after their title win in IPL 2022.
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, Kaif said, "It has been one-all between CSK and GT 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."
Irfan Pathan, a former India cricketer, believes 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 split despite Gujarat Titans playing on their home stadium.
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."
