This is the day that both these teams would have been waiting for and finally it has arrived to the day that matters the most. Both these teams have clashed two times so far in this season and the head-to-head for the season, stays balanced between the both. It cannot be denied that these teams have been the best of this season by finishing as the top two sides in the league stage.
We must agree that these sides have taken advantage of their home matches, but even in the away games they were sides to beat with their balanced formation. Chennai bank on their long batting line-up, while Gujarat have a versatile batting line-up and they believe on playing situations.
Gujarat and Chennai clashed in the Qualifier 1, where Chennai got the better of Gujarat. Although, this match was in Chennai, which is the fortress for Dhoni’s men. Quality spinners and pacers on both sides would like to take advantage of this situation.
FINAL – GT VS CSK AT AHMEDABAD
TEAM INFO – The top teams of the IPL 2023 are going to be fighting it out head-to-head in the battle which matters the most and for the priced possession. Both teams have got this far and they would like to finish with the trophy in their hands. Dhoni is expected to retire after this match, if CSK win the final. Gujarat would like to continue their dominance with the second consecutive title in just their second appearance. Chennai like to play dominating and attacking cricket, while Gujarat like to play the waiting option and make use of the right opportunity to further attack or defend.
PREVIOUS ENCOUNTERS – It all started with both these teams clashing in the very first game of the season at Ahmedabad. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s single-handed brilliance (92 runs in 50 balls) took Chennai to 178/7, Chasing a below par 179 to win, Gujarat were always in control of the game and chased this score with 5 wickets and 4 balls to spare. Rashid Khan was adjudged the man of the match for his 10 not out off 3 balls and 2/26 in 4 overs. The second game was in Chennai and once again batting first CSK posted 172/7. This was the Qualifier 1 and the Chennai wicket just didn’t allow Gujarat to build any momentum and they fell short by 15 runs. Ruturaj Gaikwad was announced as the man of the match of his 60 runs of 44 balls.
Head-to-Head - Played - 4; Won by GT - 3; Won by CSK – 1
GT possible 12 – S Gill, W Saha, H Pandya, D Shanaka, D Miller, R Tewatia, R Khan, D Nalkande, M Sharma, N Ahmad, M Shami, V Shankar
CSK possible 12 – R Gaikwad, D Conway, A Rahane, A Rayudu, S Dube, M Ali, R Jadeja, MS Dhoni, D Chahar, T Deshpande, M Theekshana, M Pathirana
Pitch & Weather Report – The Ahmedabad stadium has been a sporting facility and it has something to offer to the bowler to start with and as the innings progresses, batting gets easier and the value for shots. Spinners do also have a role to play with slightly longer boundaries. With the temperature hovering between 28 and 39 degrees, expect dew to play a role in the second innings. Teams winning the toss are expected to bat first.
Match Prediction – Both the teams are extremely well balanced and they would like to make sure that they implement the right resources at the right time to take the maximum advantage of any particular situation. Both teams have some champion players, who can turn the game on their own, if it's their day. I feel that Dhoni would put his best foot forward and his strategy would play a big role in deciding the winner of this game. Although, I am not ruling out Gujarat, under the guidance of Nehra and Pandya. I have my slight edge towards Dhoni’s Chennai. So, don’t be shocked to have a sweet and spicy rasam in Ahmedabad, which might shake your entire soul.
Send us your comment for next day’s match before 12 noon on WhatsApp on ‘+968 78795978’ and the best comments will be included in our article. Thirty words on the team that you support, full name, designation, age, nationality.
You could post your views and questions on our social media handles and we will pick the best question in our future articles, Twitter - @OmanObserver @PranavMehtaOman or Instagram - @OmanObserver @pranav_mehta_18. Don’t forget to use the #OOIPL2023 for better reach.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
