The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 is all set to take place in Chepauk, with the defending champions Gujarat Titans taking on 4-time winners Chennai Super Kings. Ahead of the clash in which MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya‘s teams will square off for a place in the final, the ‘Thala’ was seen unleashing some powerful hits in the nets. Having produced some fine cameos this season, Dhoni has already impressed fans with his performances. But, there still remains a lot to come.
In a couple of videos shared by the Super Kings, Dhoni could be seen attempting to hit some fine shots to warm up for the big showdown. Here are the videos:
The Raw Version of the roar! #GTvCSK #WhistlePodu #Yellovepic.twitter.com/flWkrlMwjP
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 23, 2023
Ball Tracking with Mo & Co! #IPL2023 #WhistlePodu #Yellove pic.twitter.com/ouvVlW2w82
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 22, 2023
Chennai Super Kings, the four-time champions, turn up at their home ground, where they get fervent support. MS Dhoni and his troops picked up eight wins in the league stages, five of which came at Chepauk.
Dhoni’s leadership qualities have been fully reflected by his opposite number, Hardik Pandya, over time. Supporting misfiring seniors, handholding junior players, motivating uncapped guys, and increasing bench morale are all traits of a popular leader for whom the squad will go the additional mile.
The Qualifier 1 on Tuesday will pit these two comparable, yet very different teams against each other in what promises to be a thrilling match. CSK will have more than a modest advantage because they will have a home advantage. Chennai fans will have one more opportunity to celebrate their larger-than-life hero, their talismanic leader, as a spot in the final is just a step away.
Since the beginning of our IPL journey last year, Gujarat’s bowling attack has scalped 186 wickets in 30 matches, the most by any team in this time period. This season too, they have been a pillar of Gujarat’s success. Leading the wicket-takers list in IPL this time are Rashid Khan and Mohammed Shami, picking up 24 wickets each. Mohit Sharma and Noor Ahmad have taken important wickets too, with 17 and 13 wickets respectively.
Defending champion’s batting department too, led by the talismanic Shubman Gill, has been fantastic. Their record run-chase in Bengaluru was a testament to our terrific record batting second, which now accounts for 14 wins in 17 matches.
With ANI inputs
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