IPL 2023: Harbhajan Singh believes CSK has ‘big advantage’ playing at home in Qualifier 1 against GT
Just an hour is left to kick-off the first qualifier of IPL 2023, which is set to be played between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday (May 23).
Ahead of the mega clash, the former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh picks his former CSK team as favorite. Harbhajan feels that experience of playing at home ground will give MS Dhoni’s CSK a slight edge over GT. However, he also mentioned that the four-time IPL champions have also struggled in some home matches and that could make it an interesting contest.
“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 said, speaking to Star Sports ahead of Qualifier 1.
In the league stage matches, CSK lost three out of their seven home games against Rajasthan Royals (RR), Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by three runs, four wickets and six wickets respectively.
The opening duo of CSK Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway have been in great form this season so far. Both of them scored runs consistently, smashing 500 plus runs and provided a good start in the powerplay.
Harbhajan also gives credit to CSK openers for providing good starts and scoring runs so consistently.
“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,” Harbhajan Singh said.
In a head-to-head, MS Dhoni-led CSK have never defeated Hardik Pandya’s GT in three IPL matches so far. It will be interesting to see whether CSK can end his drought or not?
