Sunil Gavaskar, a legendary batsman from India, believes MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya are comparable in terms of the poise they both bring to their respective teams as captains of the Gujarat Titans (GT).
Gavaskar added that the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 championship game will give Hardik a great chance to demonstrate how quickly he has picked up the nuances of captaincy.
On Sunday, May 28, the IPL 2023 championship game will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad between GT and CSK. Gujarat defeated Mumbai Indians by 62 runs in Qualifier 2 on Friday, securing a spot in the championship game for the second time in a row.
Chennai advanced to their 10th IPL championship by defeating GT by 15 runs in Qualifier 1.
Gavaskar compared Hardik’s leadership abilities to those of Dhoni and credited the GT captain for the team’s success while discussing the big game.
He said to Star Sports. “Hardik, like everyone who has followed MSD’s career, has been very forthright about his admiration and love for MSD. They’ll be all smiles and good natured when they go out to the toss. However, there will be a completely different atmosphere for the game. Hardik Pandya has a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate how quickly he has learned. ”
“Since he was one of the most thrilling and excitable cricketers as well, nobody knew what to expect when he was captaining for the first time last year. But we have observed that excitable aspect over the past 12 months. He brings a sense of calm to the group that is reminiscent of MSD. This is a joyful team, and we also notice that about CSK. That is primarily Hardik’s fault. ”
In the opening match of the IPL 2023 tournament in Ahmedabad, Gujarat defeated Chennai by a margin of five wickets. However, CSK put forth a professional effort at Chepauk in Qualifier 1 to defeat GT and secure their place in the championship game.
“He makes everything seem so simple,” Gavaskar said of GT coach Ashish Nehra.
Along with Hardik, Gavaskar praised head coach Ashish Nehra for his role in the Gujarat Titans’ triumph. The 73-year-old said that while Nehra makes everyone in the locker room laugh, his tactical prowess cannot be disregarded. According to the former captain of India:
“I would not want Ashish Nehra to be missed. He is one person, so you can’t help but laugh when he is in the restroom or communication box. He has one of the best cricketing minds and makes life seem so simple. ”
Gavaskar concluded his analysis of the CSK vs. GT IPL 2023 final by saying that Dhoni and company were to blame. They face a challenging battle.
He stated: “They (GT) have always been a premier team. Take a look at how they topped the table. With 20 total points, they outscored Chennai Super Kings by 3. The Gujarat Titans’ dominance during the league stages is revealed. That they made it to the final shouldn’t come as a surprise. They have participated in cricket competitions.“
“And for that reason, they are in the final. CSK is aware that they are in for a tough battle. ”
GT defeated MI handily in Qualifier 2 to lock up a spot in the IPL 2023 championship game. Opening batsman Shubman Gill scored 129 off 60, and Mohit Sharma claimed 5/10.
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