Gujarat Titans are the defending IPL champions [Source: AP]
The 2023 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is in full swing. Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif has made some bold predictions about which teams could potentially reach the final.
In a recent interview with Jio Cinema, Kaif expressed his belief that Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals are the frontrunners to make it to the IPL 2023 final. It is worth mentioning that Gujarat Titans won the IPL in their first year as a franchise, beating Rajasthan Royals in the final of the 2022 edition last year.
"I had predicted two teams before the tournament. I went with Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans can once again make it to the finals. I still feel that both teams are ahead," said Kaif.
The former cricketer expressed that Gujarat Titans have suffered only one defeat in the current IPL season, which was due to Rinku Singh's exceptional five sixes.
He emphasised that the team's impressive bowling unit, which includes Mohammed Shami, Rashid Khan, Alzarri Joseph, and Hardik Pandya, puts them in a prime position to win the IPL trophy.
"Gujarat Titans have lost only one match because of Rinku Singh's five sixes. With a very strong bowling from the likes of Mohammed Shami, Rashid Khan, (Alzarri) Joseph and Hardik Pandya, I believe that the team with strong bowling will lift the trophy," added the Indian veteran.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans have set the trend as a chasing team that bowls superbly in the first innings of the game, restricting their opponents to below-par totals.
The team's ability to chase down targets with aplomb has undoubtedly caught the eye of their opponents and put them in the front-running for the IPL title.
On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals have relied on their exceptional batting prowess and diverse bowling attack. They have registered wins against SRH, DC, and CSK and lost only to Punjab Kings.
Kaif's prediction sets up an exciting prospect for the rest of the IPL season, with Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans looking like they could well go the distance. However, the stakes are high; only time will tell which team will eventually come out on top.
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