IPL 2023 Final | Three Reasons Why CSK Hold Advantage Over GT

image-li5xspd9MS Dhoni and Deepak Chahar celebrating a wicket (AP Photo)

MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has been the most consistent team in the IPL and somehow, MSD and his boys always tend to bring their A-game onto the table in the playoffs. The same thing happened in the Qualifier 1 of IPL 2023 as CSK delivered a clinical performance to outclass Gujarat Titans (GT) and stormed into the final. 

It was CSK's first win in four games against GT but MSD once again with his cool and calm persona send out a loud and clear message that there are few who can match his tactical brilliance in big games.

We are now set for another CSK vs GT clash, however, this time it is a big final of IPL 2023. Both teams have quality players in their arsenal but here are the three reasons why CSK have an advantage over GT in IPL 2023 final.

MS Dhoni's Tactical Brilliance

MS Dhoni has been the best captain in the history of the IPL. For more than a decade now, he has mastered the art of outthinking and outfoxing opponents with his shrewd captaincy. He knows exactly when to to use a particular resource and his cool and calm demeanour often helps him in taking tough decisions in crunch situations.

In the last game between these two sides which was a Qualifier 1, MS Dhoni was at his tactical best and GT just could not find a way to get out of the maze that MSD managed to create around them. The final would be a pressure game and there is no one in the business who handles the pressure better than MSD. Also, the overall experience of playing a 10th final of IPL will go in favour of MS Dhoni and his boys.

Gaikwad-Conway Superhit Opening Combo

CSK's biggest strength this season has been the dynamic and consistent opening pair of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway. The New Zealand international, Devon Conway has been the leading run-scorer for CSK this season with 625 runs while Gaikwad has notched up 564 runs. The opening duo has stitched together six fifty-plus partnerships this season and it was their 87-run opening stand  that laid a foundation of CSK's victory over GT in Qualifier 1.

The form of the opening pair is crucial to negate the threat of Mohammed Shami who has been brilliant with the new ball. Shami is the leading wicket taker of this season and if he doesn't get wickets in the Powerplay, it can put pressure on GT and other bowlers.

Variety in CSK's Bowling Attack

CSK were plagued with injuries at the start of this season but now they have a settled unit and most importantly, their bowling attack looks sorted. They have a new-ball specialist Deepak Chahar who is back at his best and has picked 12 wickets in his last five games and most of them have come in the Powerplay.

For GT, Gill is a key man and Chahar surely has the ability to get the better of Gill and if he does that, it will be a big advantage for MS Dhoni and his boys. Also, CSK have an all-round and varied spin attack with a left-arm spinner, off-spinner and a mystery spinner. This gives MSD an opportunity to pick and choose according to the strength and type of the batter.

Matheesha Pathirana has also been a revelation at the death. Overall, it can get pretty difficult for GT if Gill fails on the night of the final with the likes of Pandya and Miller not in best of form.