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On May 20 (Saturday), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) secured their spot in the IPL 2023 playoffs, becoming the second team to do so. They now prepare to face the table-toppers, Gujarat Titans (GT), in Qualifier 1.
Both teams will have two opportunities to advance to the finals in this playoff format. The winner of Qualifier 1 will secure a direct entry into the finals, while the team that falls short will compete in Qualifier 2 against the winner of the Eliminator.
Despite the Titans, led by Hardik Pandya, emerging victorious in all three encounters against CSK in the past, they face a formidable challenge this time. CSK, captained by the experienced MS Dhoni, will enjoy the support of their passionate fans on their home ground at Chepauk, known for its vibrant sea of yellow.
The upcoming clash between CSK and GT promises to be a thrilling encounter, as CSK aims to avenge their previous losses and secure a place in the IPL 2023 final.
GT vs CSK – Qualifier 1
- Date: Tuesday, May 23
- Time: 7:30 pm (IST)/ 2:00 pm (GMT)
- Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium (commonly known as the Chepauk Stadium), Chennai
Dhoni reveals CSK’s recipe of success
After CSK’s thumping win over Delhi Capitals (DC) in their last league game of the season, former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar asked Dhoni the secret behind his team success at the IPLT20.
Responding to Manjrekar’s query, Dhoni said: “There is no recipe for success, you try and pick the best players and give them the best slot to perform. And groom them in the areas where they are not strong, somebody has to sacrifice their slot for the team. Credit to the management as well, they always back us. But, the players are most important, without the players we can’t do anything.”
The veteran wicketkeeper-batter also stressed on picking players who give priority to the team rather than thinking about personal milestones.
“I think we need to figure out and pick players who are team first – not bothered about individual performance and perform the best at knockout stages. It is difficult to judge from the outside, we try and adjust to the players and environment as well. Even if they come 10%, we can adjust 50% to fit them better into the team,” added Dhoni in the post-match presentation interview.
