Irfan Pathan’s bold statement before IPL final, ‘GT has better bowling unit than CSK’

After 73 nail-biting contests and high-adrenaline games, IPL 2023 has reached its climax as we have got two finalists in Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans. Interestingly, this will be a repeat of the opening match of IPL 2023 where defending champions Gujarat Titans hosted four-time champions Chennai Super Kings in their backyard with much fanfare at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium.

Gujarat Titans – who were the losing side from the start of the tournament – ​​suffered a defeat in Qualifier 1 against CSK. GT faced Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 but youngster Shubman Gill’s brilliant hundred – his third of the season – and Mohit Sharma’s five-wicket haul propelled the holders to an emphatic win.

Gill’s 60-ball 129 against MI will go down as one of the best centuries in the history of the competition. Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar lauded the young Indian batsman for his stupendous effort in a high-pressure game. (IPL 2023 Final: Rain threatens Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad? What if Mother Nature spoils the game in CSK vs GT final?)

Sunil Gavaskar told Star Sports Studio, ‘ This innings of Gill will be remembered for years. In this innings, Gill forced the opposition captain Rohit Sharma to change his strategy by targeting MI’s main bowlers. Gill kept his strike during these unmatched innings. Rate did consistently well and kept his team free from pressure. Along with this, this innings will also be remembered for Gill’s ability to play cricket shots in T20 format.

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh also lauded the extremely talented youngster from Punjab for getting his basics right and clarity of thought at such a young age.

Talking on Star Sports’ Cricket Live, Harbhajan Singh said, ‘Shubman Gill’s batting proves one thing that if your basics are right and your thinking is clear, then runs will automatically come out of your bat. The batting of Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill has proved that you don’t need to hit diagonal shots to score runs. They both represent different generations but a lot of runs have come out of their bats and all this has been possible due to clear thinking and sticking to the fundamentals of cricket.”

Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan claimed that this knock against Mumbai Indians will be remembered as an iconic innings in Tata IPL playoff history.

Speaking on Star Sports Cricket Live, Irfan Pathan said, “Years later when you look back, you will remember this knock. If you look at the history of Tata IPL qualifier matches, you will give a lot of respect to this knock of Gill.” ” It was completely different from what we saw in the knockout stages of the Tata IPL. The way Gill prepared this knock and the way he targeted MI’s main bowlers is commendable.”

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif claimed that GT faced off with CSK in the last game of the Tata IPL 2023 season tournament.

Speaking on Star Sports’ Cricket Live, Mohammad Kaif said, “It has been a one-all between CSK and GT this season. IPL 2023 has come full circle as CSK and GT square off in the first match of the competition The match was played at the same ground where GT won, and later CSK returned the favor when GT went to Chennai after defeating Gujarat by a huge margin in Qualifier 1. So, the final is going to be a very tight contest.

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh said that the only thing standing between Gujarat Titans and their second consecutive 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 depended on the potential of each of their partners. believe.” Part of the reason is that its captain believes in his teammates and is one of the smartest cricketing minds in the world – his name is Mahendra Singh Dhoni.”


Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan said that Gujarat Titans have a very solid and well-rounded bowling attack, but the presence of MS Dhoni in the CSK dressing room will keep CSK in contention and Gujarat Titans will have to play at their home ground. Regardless, the crowd will be divided.

Speaking on Star Sports’ Cricket Live, Irfan Pathan said, “In terms of quality, Gujarat Titans are way ahead in the bowling department as compared to CSK. In terms of man-to-man marking, Gujarat Titans are ahead. It will be an emotional match between the two.” CSK and GT. I am a Gujarati and want to win GT but my feelings are towards MS Dhoni. Still it is not clear whether he will play next year or not. Due to the Dhoni factor, hearts are backing CSK.