In a highly anticipated showdown, the defending champions, Gujarat Titans (GT), are poised to face off against the formidable Chennai Super Kings (CSK), a four-time champion team, in the upcoming TATA IPL 2023 Qualifier. This match promises to be a monumental event, showcasing the extraordinary talent possessed by both teams. Prior to this momentous encounter, GT's captain, Hardik Pandya, expressed his admiration for the legendary cricketer MS Dhoni, remarking that a person must possess an exceptional disposition to harbor any negative sentiment towards Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
The first Qualifier of the TATA IPL 2023 is set to captivate cricket enthusiasts worldwide, as it pits the defending champions, Gujarat Titans, against the seasoned champions, Chennai Super Kings. This eagerly anticipated clash will undoubtedly highlight the presence of some of the most explosive talents within the sport. As the cricketing fraternity awaits this colossal showdown, GT's captain, Hardik Pandya, took a moment to reflect upon the unparalleled prowess of MS Dhoni, articulating that harboring any animosity towards the revered cricketer would necessitate a truly malevolent disposition.
"I'll always be a Mahendra Singh Dhoni fan and for so many fans out there and so many cricket lovers. You need to be a proper devil to hate Mahendra Singh Dhoni. A lot of people think Mahi is serious and all that. For me, I crack jokes and I don't see him as a Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Obviously, I've learnt a lot of things from him, a lot of positive things, which I've learnt from him just while watching, not even much talking," GT skipper said.
"For me, he's just my dear friend, dear brother, who I do pranks, who I chill," Hardik Pandya added.
Hardik Pandya, the illustrious leader who guided the Gujarat Titans to victory in the previous IPL season, is determined to uphold their winning legacy. Much like the previous year, this season has been nothing short of extraordinary for the team, having emerged victorious in 10 out of the 14 league matches they participated in. Bolstered by the presence of contenders for both the prestigious orange cap and purple cap titles, the Gujarat Titans exude unwavering confidence as they prepare to step onto the hallowed grounds of the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Under the leadership of the esteemed MS Dhoni, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are driven by the desire to emerge victorious and secure their spot in the tournament's final for the remarkable 10th time in 16 seasons. A triumph in this season would see them draw level with the Mumbai Indians (MI), each team boasting an impressive tally of five IPL title wins. Despite a shaky start in IPL 2023, the CSK team exhibited resilience and managed to regain their momentum just in time. The formidable batting lineup of the team, known for their explosive prowess, instills a sense of trepidation in the minds of opposing bowlers.