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Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh feels the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will have a slight edge over the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2023 season to be played at the Chepauk on Tuesday, May 23.
Chennai are playing in their own backyard and Harbhajan feels their experience of having played in these conditions could give them a headstart. However, he shed light on how the Men in Yellow have also lost games at home and that could make it a riveting encounter.
Speaking to Star Sports ahead of the Qualifier 1, here's what Harbhajan Singh had to say:
"The contest between CSK and GT will be intense as both teams know how to win big games. CSK playing at home is a big advantage, they know the conditions well but somewhere their performance at home hasn't been foolproof this year. So this makes things interesting but Chennai looks a completely different side when it plays in the playoffs. I am really looking forward to this match."
Harbhajan also credited Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway for being so consistent for Chennai this season. He said:
"Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway come to the ground with full preparation. They have been complimenting each other very well this season. They have given good starts and scored runs in abundance and entertained the spectators. The team whose openers play well, tend to score well and that is why CSK are in a good position today."
Sanjay Manjrekar on similarities between GT and CSK
Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar was also present in the discussion and he spoke about the similarity in the team environment of the Gujarat Titans and the Chennai Super Kings. He stated:
"Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans have been very similar teams tactically. Both these teams don't look to make too much of changes and the leadership group keeps the atmosphere light in the dressing room. The battle between these two in playoffs will be an interesting one."
Hardik Pandya has been pretty vocal about how his captaincy style and team environment is inspired by what MS Dhoni has achieved with the Chennai Super Kings.
